BEIJING, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- There are no new infectious diseases in China, and the current respiratory infectious diseases in the country are all caused by known pathogens, according to an expert with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).
Influenza is currently the primary disease prompting visits to healthcare institutions for patients with acute respiratory infections, according to Wang Liping, a China CDC research fellow, at a press conference of China's National Health Commission on Sunday.
Data has shown that the level of influenza intensity remains moderate in most provinces, and as middle and primary schools enter the winter holidays, a decline in influenza activity levels is anticipated in mid to late January, Wang said.
Regarding human metapneumovirus (HMPV), Wang said it has already circulated among humans for decades, and the increase of reports about it in recent years can be attributed to advancements in detection methods.
The overall intensity of respiratory infectious diseases and relevant medical pressure this year will not exceed those of last year, according to the expert. ■
