China combats surge of respiratory illnesses of known pathogens

The authorities said vaccinations must be stepped up for vulnerable groups such as older adults and children to lower the risk of infection. - PHOTO: REUTERS

BEIJING (China Daily/ANN): The recent surge of respiratory illnesses in China is fuelled by already-known pathogens and vaccination efforts are still vital to stemming the spread, medical experts said on Dec 2.

A co-circulation of illnesses including mycoplasma pneumonia, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, swept across many regions after China eased Covid-19 restrictions earlier in 2023 and as temperatures dropped.