China Issues Caution on Potential Resurgence of COVID-19 Cases in the Coming Month: Report

 

China has observed a decline in the number of patients visiting fever clinics in medical institutions since New Year's Day. Despite this, there are concerns about a potential rebound in the COVID-19 infection epidemic in January, as stated by Chinese health authorities on Sunday, according to a report from the China-based Global Times.

During a press briefing, National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng noted a fluctuating downward trend in the number of patients visiting fever clinics across health institutions in China. Currently, respiratory diseases are predominantly influenza, and the level of COVID-19 infections remains relatively low.

Recent data from the multi-channel monitoring system indicates that the positive rate of COVID-19 virus testing in sentinel hospitals remained below one percent after the New Year's Day holiday. Additionally, the proportion of the JN.1 variant strain has shown an upward trend, according to Wang Dayan, director of the China National Influenza Center at the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).

Experts anticipate the continued co-circulation of various respiratory pathogens in China during the winter and coming spring, with influenza viruses expected to dominate in the short term.

Due to the continuous importation of the JN.1 variant strain, a gradual decline in domestic influenza, and a decrease in population immunity, there is a possibility of a COVID-19 epidemic rebound in January. The JN.1 variant is highly likely to become the dominant variant in China, Wang stated.

The influenza season in southern provinces of China began in early October, followed by northern provinces in late October. Initially, the predominant circulating strain was the H3N2 subtype influenza virus. However, the proportion of influenza B virus has risen, reaching 36.8 percent in southern provinces and 57.7 percent in northern provinces.

Wang emphasized the importance of influenza vaccination, particularly for high-risk individuals, as the immune response generated after contracting influenza A does not provide effective protection against influenza B.

Winter is the peak season for respiratory infectious diseases, and the immunity established after infection is not long-lasting, according to Wang Guiqiang, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Peking University First Hospital. He urged increased attention to early intervention and diagnosis of respiratory diseases, especially for the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

Mi Feng emphasized the need to strengthen monitoring and early warning as the winter vacation and Spring Festival approach, as the large-scale movement and gatherings of people may accelerate the spread of respiratory diseases. Additionally, convenient health consultation and vaccination services should be provided to vulnerable populations.