Summary of Key Points
In 2025, the overall number of deaths from legally notifiable infectious diseases in China decreased, but a significant change was the doubling of deaths from influenza. Among Class A and B infectious diseases, the incidence of COVID-19 decreased, while the number of deaths from AIDS and tuberculosis continued to decline (tuberculosis entered the category of moderate to low prevalence globally for the first time). However, the number of deaths from rabies increased. In Class C infectious diseases, influenza was the dominant cause, accounting for over 80% of both cases and deaths. Additionally, the influenza vaccination policy was upgraded, with free vaccination available for rural elderly people and primary and secondary school students, and the individual accounts of employee medical insurance can be used to cover the cost of the vaccine.
I. Overall Deaths from Infectious Diseases Have Declined, but Influenza Is an Exception
The number of deaths from all three categories of infectious diseases (Class A, B, and C) across the country in 2025 was lower than in the previous year: 24,100 deaths from Class A and B diseases (25,000 in 2024 without COVID-19), and 51 deaths from Class C diseases (29 in 2024). However, the number of deaths from influenza within Class C diseases more than doubled, from 20 to 41, making it the only infectious disease with an increase in deaths. This indicates that overall epidemic prevention efforts are effective, but the threat posed by influenza is growing.
II. Class A and B Infectious Diseases: COVID-19 Incidence Has Declined, AIDS and Tuberculosis Are Improving, but Rabies Has Increased
- Decline in COVID-19 Incidence: In 2025, there were 1.5547 million cases of COVID-19, 156,000 fewer than in the previous year. Although it remains the most common disease among Class A and B infectious diseases, the trend is downward.
- AIDS Remains the Leading Cause of Death, but Deaths Have Decreased for Two Consecutive Years: In 2025, 19,100 people died from AIDS, which is still the highest number of deaths among these categories, but it has decreased compared to the previous two years. The number of deaths from viral hepatitis has also decreased.
- Tuberculosis Has Finally Seen a Decline: The number of deaths from tuberculosis has decreased for three consecutive years, and in 2024, China entered the category of moderate to low prevalence countries globally for the first time (previously it was a high-prevalence country). This is a significant improvement.
- Increase in Rabies Deaths: The number of deaths from rabies increased from 148 in 2024 to 233 in 2025, highlighting the need for better pet prevention and post-exposure treatment.
III. Class C Infectious Diseases: Influenza Is the Dominant Cause, and the Doubling of Deaths Is a Cause for Concern
In Class C infectious diseases, influenza accounted for over 80% of both cases and deaths. In 2025, there were more than 16 million cases of influenza (80% of the total 20.57 million cases of Class C diseases), and 41 deaths (80% of the total 51 deaths). Although influenza is considered a relatively mild disease, the doubling of deaths suggests that the influenza strain may have been more severe last year, or that the population's protection measures were insufficient. Vaccination efforts need to be strengthened.
IV. Upgraded Influenza Vaccine Policy: Expanded Free Vaccination and More Convenient Medical Insurance Coverage
To address the threat of influenza, there were two major changes to the influenza vaccine policy in 2025:
- Expansion of Free Vaccination: Many areas have included rural elderly people over 65 years old and primary and secondary school students in the free vaccination program, using domestically produced trivalent vaccines. It is possible that this will be rolled out nationwide.
- More Flexible Medical Insurance Coverage: The National Medical Insurance Administration has allowed the individual accounts of employee medical insurance to cover the cost of influenza vaccines, eliminating the need to pay out of pocket, making it more convenient for working professionals to get vaccinated.
These policies will lower the barriers to vaccination and encourage more people to get vaccinated, thereby reducing the risk of influenza-related deaths.
Conclusion
Overall, progress has been made in the prevention and control of infectious diseases, but the resurgence of influenza and the increase in rabies deaths require attention. Especially with the doubling of influenza deaths and the upgraded policy, the general public should take the initiative to get vaccinated this winter, especially the elderly and children. The improvement in tuberculosis and the decline in AIDS also demonstrate the effectiveness of long-term prevention and control measures.