BEIJING—The recent surge in influenza cases across the Chinese mainland is showing signs of slowing, according to health officials citing the latest disease control statistics.
Hu Qiangqiang, spokesperson for China’s National Health Commission (NHC), announced on Sunday that the rate of positive influenza virus tests in hospitals nationwide increased by 3.8 percent. This rate is lower than the increase observed during the same period in 2024.
“Current flu activity will gradually decrease later this month, although the situation may vary in different parts of the country,” Hu said during a press conference in Beijing.
The NHC, coordinating the response to this flu season, reported no shortage of medical resources. Hu confirmed that the supply and production of essential medicines remain stable.
Earlier reports from some media outlets and social media accounts suggested a surge of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China in December 2024, incorrectly labeling HMPV as a “new virus.” However, HMPV has been known for decades since its discovery by researchers in the 2000s. Experts, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the World Health Organization have debunked these inaccurate reports.
Despite the decline, parents are urged to take precautions to protect their children from various respiratory diseases, particularly in northern China, where winter respiratory illnesses are common.
“From our observations at Beijing Children’s Hospital, there is no abnormal increase in patient numbers,” said Xu Baoping, a senior doctor at the hospital, when asked about the flu season’s impact on children. “The number of patients in the recent two months has been lower than last year’s.”
Xu also cautioned that children recovering from one flu strain may still contract another. “Although the flu symptoms are gone, the child’s immune system takes longer to recover,” Xu explained.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage the public to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Reference(s):
Flu surge in China declines below 2024 levels, health official says
cgtn.com
