Analysis on the response measures and outcomes of four epidemics of infectious diseases in Shanghai based on a time axis

ObjectiveTo compare the response measures and outcomes of SARS-CoV(2003), H1N1 influenza(2009), H7N9 influenza(2013)and COVID-19(2020)in Shanghai and provide scientific evidence for the emergency response of public health emergencies.

MethodsWe compared the response measures and outcomes of the four epidemics in Shanghai in the aspects of government response, prevention and control system, scientific and technological support, social mobilization and prevention effects, using critical incident analysis based on the time axis of the epidemics from literature review.

ResultsIn response to the four epidemics of infectious diseases occurred in 2003-2020, Shanghai has generally made some significant effort and flexible measures in the first month of the epidemics, including"closure of live poultry markets"and"three closed-loops and four 100% coverage"and other specific prevention and control measures, which have enhanced the prevention and control system. However, we identified that the construction of prevention and control system for public health emergencies remained inefficient, compared to rapid economic development. The majority of the construction measures were principally post-epidemic. In addition, there were many challenges, such as passive response, temporary response teams and measures, and difficulties in the flexible bottom-up response for residents, families and industries without standard operating procedure and guidelines.

ConclusionIt may be an effective measure for the prevention and control of infectious diseases to build joint prevention and control measures with mass participation and regular drills, in the perspectives of strategic, tactical and operational levels of epidemic prevention and control.