Chinese health officials: Malaria, Dengue still 'major threats'

April 7th is World Health Day and this year, the focus is on raising awareness of "vector-borne diseases" such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever -- diseases spread by mosquitoes, flies, ticks and other insects. Chinese health authorities say that while the native threat of such diseases has declined, increased air travel and tourism are bringing more risks to the Chinese population.

Small bite, big threat.

Monday's World Health Day is set to call for more attention and awareness of diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever. Chinese health authorities say the country still faces a threat, even though populations of mosquitoes and other carrying insects are falling. One prominent disease is mosquito-borne dengue fever, now found in around 100 countries.

"Around 100 million Chinese are at substantial risk from dengue fever. The most serious regions are in south and eastern regions, like Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang and Yunan. Last year, there was an outbreak of dengue fever in China, 8 times worse than the year before." said Liu Qiyong, Center for Disease Control & Prevention.

Health officials say globalization, climate change and rapid urbanization are all increasing the risk of transmission.

"In 2013, more than 90 percent of reported malaria cases in China came in from abroad. It was a big threat to our goal of eliminating malaria by 2020." said Liu Qiyong, Center for Disease Control & Prevention.

The WHO says these diseases are entirely preventable and it's calling on governments, NGOs, community groups and even individuals themselves, to do more to prevent infection, through better sanitation and hygiene awareness.

Health authorities say international travel is having a significant impact on the transmission of vector borne diseases. They are warning travelers to take extra precautions, and stay away from others if they are affected.