Flu activity drops in China, but authorities warn of potential virus risks amid holiday travel rush

Flu activity in most regions of China has dropped to medium or low levels, and the overall number of acute respiratory infections is trending downward, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration said over the weekend.

The positivity rate for respiratory syncytial virus is declining, while rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, and common coronaviruses continue to circulate at notable levels, the administration said in a document released over the weekend with health and traditional Chinese medicine authorities.

Positivity rates for the novel coronavirus and other monitored respiratory pathogens remain generally low, the administration added.

Although mosquito-borne arboviruses are currently outside of epidemic season, risks of imported cases of dengue fever, chikungunya fever, and malaria remain. There is also potential for local sporadic cases, particularly in warmer southern regions of China, which could result from imported cases or overwintering mosquitoes.

With the upcoming Spring Festival holiday expected to increase cross-border and cross-region travel, as well as social gatherings and dining events, the risk of virus transmission may rise. The administration has urged local authorities to intensify efforts to manage outbreaks and prepare for public health emergencies.

The administration also stressed the importance of closely monitoring the global spread of key infectious diseases, including COVID-19, chikungunya fever, and Nipah virus, as well as the epidemic situations in neighboring countries and regions, in order to prepare in advance.