Health authority warns of rising flu, disease risks ahead of May Day holiday

Influenza and rhinovirus activity in China has trended upward since early April, and heightened vigilance against mosquito-borne and intestinal infectious diseases is urged as the May Day holiday approaches, an official said on Wednesday.

Xi Jingjing, a spokeswoman for the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, said at a news conference held in Beijing that travel and large gatherings are expected to increase during the five-day May Day holiday starting May 1. Special attention should be paid to dengue fever, chikungunya fever, norovirus infection and hand, foot and mouth disease, she added.

Noting the variable weather during the spring-to-summer transition, she advised people to adjust their clothing accordingly, learn about the epidemic situation at their travel destinations in advance, and pay attention to food and water hygiene.

She also urged the public to prevent mosquito and tick bites during outdoor activities and to refrain from close contact with marmots in the wild.

The administration also advised the public to monitor their health, particularly that of older adults and children, and to seek medical treatment promptly if symptoms occur.