China is experiencing a significant surge in flu cases, with hospitals reporting overwhelming patient numbers as authorities anticipate that the outbreak will peak by mid-December. Wang Dayan, a researcher at the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), announced the situation at a recent news conference, highlighting that 17 provincial-level regions have reported high levels of flu activity.
The outbreak has been characterized as atypical for this time of year, with reports indicating a marked increase in hospital visits, particularly among children. Wang noted that patients presenting flu-like symptoms tested positive for influenza in 51% of cases, although this figure is below the peak levels observed over the past three years. As of late November, crowded hospital corridors have become a common sight, especially in cities like Beijing and Tianjin, and across provinces such as Hebei, Henan, Guangdong, and Shandong.
The H3N2 subtype of influenza A is currently the dominant strain, responsible for over 95% of cases. In parallel, small numbers of H1N1 and influenza B cases have also been identified. The rise in infections, particularly among children aged 5 to 14, has led to clustering in schools and childcare facilities.
Concerns over potential epidemic conditions escalated after Peng Zhibin, a specialist at the China CDC, indicated that the flu infection rate had surged in late November. Reports on social media depict alarming scenes of parents waiting in long lines with their children in hospital hallways. One resident recounted a visit to the Beijing Children’s Hospital on November 23, stating, “I went to the Beijing Children’s Hospital, and didn’t get home until 1 AM. The flu has been so terrifying lately.”
Statistics from the Alibaba Health platform reveal that purchases of antiviral medications soared by 500% between November 10 and 21, further fueling fears of a major outbreak. The latest reports from the China Central Television (CCTV) and the China CDC confirm that 17 provinces are grappling with elevated flu rates, with the Beijing CDC noting a peak in flu activity, although the increase appears to be slowing.
Dr. Zhang Datao, director of the institute for infectious and endemic disease control at the Beijing CDC, emphasized that the current surge is primarily driven by the H3N2 virus. He confirmed that no other respiratory infections have emerged as significant contributors to this seasonal outbreak. Tragically, official sources have reported one child has died after contracting influenza A, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Influenza A is an airborne virus presenting symptoms such as high fever, coughing, loss of appetite, and general aches and pains. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, especially among high-risk demographics or those with weakened immune systems. Dr. Zhang noted that while the virus is known to mutate annually, it remains a seasonal epidemic without indications of greater virulence.
In response to the escalating outbreak, China’s National Health Commission has instructed local authorities to enhance medical service availability. Initiatives include increasing outpatient appointments and extending service hours. Local health agencies are setting up clinics with extended hours, including evening and weekend sessions, to meet the rising public healthcare demands.
Despite the surge in infections, both the China CDC and the Communist Party have confirmed that no significant mutations of the H3N2 influenza virus have been detected to date. As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor the outbreak closely, aiming to manage its impact on the population.
