China CDC urges precaution amid surge in rhinovirus cases

Rhinovirus cases have been on the rise in China recently, with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizing the importance of personal protective measures on Wednesday.

The China CDC reported a rising positivity rate of rhinovirus among influenza-like illness cases at sentinel hospitals. In some southern provinces, the rate has even exceeded that of respiratory syncytial virus, ranking second only to influenza.

Rhinovirus, the leading cause of the common cold in both adults and children, spreads primarily through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through contact with contaminated surfaces followed by contact with the eyes, nose or mouth.

While the infection is largely confined to the upper respiratory tract, common symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing. Rhinovirus infections are typically milder than influenza.

At present, there is no targeted medication or vaccine available for rhinovirus, making key preventive measures such as regular handwashing, frequent ventilation, minimizing contact with infected individuals, and avoiding the sharing of personal items critical in reducing transmission.