Increase in influenza cases starts to slow down in Beijing

The number of flu cases reported in Beijing is increasing at a slower rate, and the spread of infections is predicted to lessen in the next two weeks, the Beijing Commission of Health and Family Planning said on Monday.

The number of flu cases reported in Beijing has been rising rapidly since December, with children younger than 4 accounting for the biggest share among people of all age groups, Gao Xiaojun, spokesman of the commission, said at a news conference.

"The intensity of flu infection is expected to be further reduced with a smaller population concentration with the arrival of the winter vacation for schools and kindergartens, and Spring Festival," he said.