Risk of infectious illnesses over holiday warns China CDC

The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has warned of a rising risk of the spread of different infectious illnesses during the upcoming May Day holiday. Stressing the efforts they have made to enhance epidemic control measures at ports and strengthen vaccination services, according to a notice released on Saturday.

The administration said that as the season moves from spring to summer in May, several mosquito-borne and intestinal infectious diseases are about to enter the peak season.

"More population movement and gathering events during the holiday could heighten the risk of infectious diseases including COVID-19," it said. This year's May Day holiday will run from May 1 to 5.

China's COVID epidemic has maintained at a low level overall with infection waves occuring from time to time. "But the novel coronavirus is still mutating and the risk of a resurgence remains," it said.

The administration added that levels of influenza flu in some regions have not fallen to normal levels seen in past years, Whooping cough infections are rising rapidly, while the number of hand, foot and mouth diseases has also increased significantly.

"The simultaneous circulation of multiple diseases has become a norm. Worldwide, a number of countries and regions have experienced a rebound in dengue fever and measles, and the risk of seeing imported cases is rising," it said.

The administration emphasized implimenting disease control measures targeting inbound travelers, such as monitoring body temperatures and carrying out medical patrols and epidemiological surveys. "Random COVID-19 tests will also be performed among incoming passengers," it said.

The administration said that it will continue to promote coverage of vaccines included in the national free immunization programs and further expand COVID-19 vaccination among key groups.