China sees rise in influenza, rhinovirus, and other respiratory infectious diseases

China is currently experiencing an increase in influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and other acute respiratory infectious diseases, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration said Monday.

Xi Jingjing, a spokeswoman for the administration, said during a news conference that norovirus infection, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and other intestinal contagious diseases are also circulating at elevated levels, with clusters of infections likely to occur in schools and childcare facilities.

The risk of imported cases of chikungunya fever, dengue fever, and other vector-borne diseases remains, with several southern provinces still facing the possibility of local transmission.

Wang Dayan, director of the Chinese National Influenza Center, said that flu activity is rising nationwide. The H3N2 subtype of influenza A now accounts for more than 95 percent of cases, while the rest consist of the H1N1 influenza A strain and influenza B.

She added that 23 provincial-level regions have reached a medium level of influenza activity, with the rest remaining at a low level.

As the peak flu season typically runs from late December to early January, Wang said that flu activity in China will continue to rise in the near term.

The administration advised the public to get vaccinated against flu and other diseases promptly, especially the elderly, children, and those with underlying health conditions. It also recommended strengthening personal protection in crowded spaces.