Covid infections peak in China, forecasted to decline next month by top analyst
Rising COVID-19 Cases in China: Expert Advice and Current Situation
Prominent medical researcher Zhong Nanshan has urged individuals experiencing symptoms, particularly the elderly, to seek medical help within 48 hours. His statement was made during the opening of Guangzhou Science and Technology and Activity Week over the weekend.
According to China's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current wave of COVID-19 appears to be more infectious than previous ones. The similarity in symptoms to common influenza has been highlighted, particularly evident sore throats.
CDC data from March 31 to May 4 showed an increase in the positivity rate from 7.5% to 16.2% among patients with flu-like symptoms and those with severe symptoms in hospitals. This increase marks a significant uptick in infections, representing the most common pathogen detected and the highest infection rate in almost a year.
However, it is important to note that the overall number of acute respiratory infectious diseases remains relatively low, as indicated by the CDC report released on May 8. The report does show an upward trend in positive test results in April.
Test results also revealed that all detected pathogens were known common ones, with no unknown pathogens or newly emerging infectious diseases identified.
Currently, Central and Southern China, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, are experiencing increased cases, albeit not large-scale outbreaks are predicted at this time. The epidemic appears to be experiencing moderate fluctuations, showing no signs of reaching previous peak levels thus far [2][3].
To address this situation, health authorities are urging high-risk groups, particularly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, to receive additional vaccine doses. Vaccination rates in these groups, however, remain low—75% of nursing home residents and 90% of community-dwelling seniors aged 65 or older have not yet received extra doses [2].
On the variant front, the NB.1.8.1 variant is associated with the current surge, having also been detected in the United States. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely, maintaining regular contact with international partners [1].
- The urgent need for individuals with symptoms, especially the elderly and those with underlying medical-conditions, to seek medical attention within 48 hours, as advised by Zhong Nanshan, underscores the importance of health in this challenging environment with the resurgence of COVID-19.
- The science community is closely monitoring the highly infectious NB.1.8.1 variant, associated with the current surge, not just in China, but also in other countries like the United States, stressing the need for continued scientific research and health-and-wellness measures.
- As the positivity rate among patients with flu-like symptoms and those with severe symptoms in hospitals increases, it is crucial to understand the environmental factors contributing to this resurgence and implement appropriate health-and-wellness strategies to mitigate the impact on high-risk groups.
