In a press briefing on Sunday, Chinese health authorities issued a cautionary statement regarding the potential resurgence of COVID-19 infections in January, citing concerns about the continuous importation of the JN.1 variant strain, declining immunity, and a fluctuating downward trend in domestic influenza cases.
Despite a decrease in the number of patients received at fever clinics across China since New Year’s Day, National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng highlighted the possibility of a rebound in the COVID-19 epidemic. Currently, respiratory diseases, including influenza, remain prevalent, and COVID-19 infections are reportedly at a relatively low level in the country.
Wang Dayan, director of the China National Influenza Center, warned that the JN.1 variant strain could become the dominant variant in China, as its proportion is showing an upward trend. The positive rate of COVID-19 virus testing in sentinel hospitals remains below one percent, according to recent data, but the increasing dominance of the JN.1 variant raises concerns.
Experts anticipate a co-circulation of various respiratory pathogens in China during the winter and upcoming spring, with influenza viruses continuing to dominate in the short term. Wang emphasized the importance of early influenza vaccination, particularly due to the rising proportion of influenza B virus in several provinces.
The southern provinces of China started experiencing the influenza season in early October, followed by northern provinces in late October. The predominant circulating strain initially was the H3N2 subtype influenza virus, but the proportion of influenza B virus has surged in recent weeks, exceeding influenza A in some regions.
Wang Guiqiang, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Peking University First Hospital, stressed the peak season for respiratory infectious diseases during winter. He noted that the immunity established after infection with various pathogens is not long-lasting, leading to the possibility of repeated infections, albeit with milder symptoms.
As the winter vacation and Spring Festival approach, health authorities underscored the need to strengthen monitoring, early warning systems, and timely health consultations. The potential large-scale movement and gatherings during these festivities could accelerate the spread of respiratory diseases, necessitating a focus on early intervention and diagnosis, particularly for high-risk individuals and those with underlying conditions.
Sources By Agencies
