06 Jan 2025 | 10:50 AM UTC
China: Elevated acute respiratory disease activity reported nationwide in January; disease activity is in line with expected seasonal trends
Elevated acute respiratory disease activity reported nationwide in China in January, in line with seasonal trends. Obtain vaccination.
Elevated acute respiratory disease activity, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), has been reported nationwide in China as of Dec. 29, 2024. The current rise in respiratory diseases is expected at this time of year; winter is the peak season for respiratory infections in the northern hemisphere. Disease activity for the various respiratory diseases is similar to that observed in previous years. According to the China CDC’s acute respiratory infectious diseases weekly report for Dec. 23-29, the overall number of acute respiratory infectious diseases shows a continuous upward trend, with variations among pathogens. Health officials emphasize that this surge is consistent with seasonal trends.
Influenza activity is in its seasonal epidemic phase, with a rapid rise in positive cases. Nationwide, the influenza-positive rate in outpatient and emergency departments increased by 6.2 percent from the previous week, with northern provinces seeing slightly higher increases, though still below last year’s levels. Positive RSV and human metapneumovirus rates among children are rising, particularly in northern provinces. Rhinovirus, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and adenovirus rates are declining and remain at a low level. Chinese health officials urge the public to take disease prevention measures to reduce transmission. This report represents the most up-to-date information as of Jan. 6.
Travelers should emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Wear a mask in crowded places and public settings.
Patients with flu-like symptoms should practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). Individuals feeling ill or displaying symptoms should refrain from public engagements and consider isolating themselves if possible. In addition, cleaning possible contaminated surfaces (such as doorknobs and shared toys) can help stop the spread of respiratory diseases.
Visiting a doctor to ensure vaccination against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 is also recommended (there is no vaccine for HMPV). Those at increased risk of severe disease outcomes should seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas.
Respiratory diseases occur in all age groups but are particularly severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems and high-risk medical conditions. The spike in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically fuel the spread of respiratory viruses. There are no travel-related restrictions or requirements for China at present.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. HMPV is not a new virus and was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. HMPV is transmitted from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, or touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Symptoms typically appear 3 to 6 days following infection, commonly including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections. There is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV or vaccine to prevent HMPV. Medical care is supportive.
