(Xinhua/Pan Xu)
BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) — There are no new infectious diseases in China, and the current infectious respiratory diseases in the country are all caused by known pathogens, Wang Liping, a researcher with the China Center for disease control and prevention.
Influenza is currently the main disease causing visits by patients suffering from acute respiratory infections to health establishments, she said during a press conference of the National Health Commission.
Data shows that the level of influenza intensity remains moderate in most provinces, and as primary and secondary schools begin winter break, a decline in influenza activity levels is expected between mid-January and the end of the month, she noted.
Regarding human metapneumovirus (HMPV), Wang said it had already been circulating among humans for decades, and the increase in reports about it in recent years could be attributed to advances in detection methods. .
The overall intensity of infectious respiratory diseases and resulting medical pressure this year will not exceed those of last year, she added. END
