Flu positivity hits 51% in China as school clusters rise

China's flu activity has surged to high levels, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The China CDC revealed on Thursday that for the week beginning on Nov 24, the number of flu infection clusters in schools had increased, with the flu positivity rate among children aged five to 14 markedly higher than other age groups.

Data shows that 51.1 percent of outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses tested positive for the flu, up slightly from 44.8 percent in the previous week.

Meanwhile, the positivity rate for respiratory syncytial virus was 3.5 percent, and for rhinovirus, it was 5.3 percent. While both viruses are on a downward trend, their levels remain notable.

The China CDC noted that the country has entered the season for respiratory infectious illnesses, and the epidemic is on the rise.

In response, the health authority has recommended enhanced health monitoring in nursery and elderly care homes, schools and other key facilities, urging prompt detection and management of infection clusters. The public is also advised to take personal protective measures.