The nation’s flu activity continues to rise and is likely nearing its peak, prompting experts to call for sustained prevention and control efforts over the next two months.
Data released by the Chinese National Influenza Center on Wednesday shows increasing flu levels in both northern and southern provinces, with the H3N2 strain of influenza A currently dominant.
The country reported 1,541 outbreaks of flu-like illnesses for the week starting on Nov 24, up from 1,234 the previous week.
Dr Wang Dayan, director of the centre, told China Central Television that 17 provincial-level regions in China have reached high flu activity, while others are experiencing moderate levels.
“It is estimated that the flu season in China will likely peak around early to mid-December,” she said.
“It will take some time for influenza activity to fall to a low level, so prevention and control measures must not be relaxed over the next six to eight weeks.”
She said the H3N2 strain accounts for more than 95% of infections, with a small proportion involving the H1N1 strain of influenza A and the influenza B virus.
Since November, several schools across the country have temporarily suspended classes after clusters of infections. — China Daily/ANN
