HPA Issues Public Advisory on Surge in Respiratory Illnesses in China

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is closely monitoring an increase in respiratory illnesses reported in China amid heightened concerns about their prevalence during the winter season.

The HPA has responded to reports of a state of emergency in China linked to the outbreak. It has reassured the public that these cases primarily involve common respiratory infections. These include influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and human metapneumovirus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also observed a rise in respiratory illnesses in parts of China since November. It has attributed this trend to seasonal factors typical in colder regions.

The HPA has warned that respiratory illnesses are expected to increase in the Maldives during this period. This risk is heightened by travellers returning from Umrah and other international destinations.

ޢުމްރާއިން އެނބުރި އައުމަށްފަހު ސަމާލުކަން ދޭންވީ މުހިއްމު ކަންކަން. 🕋 pic.twitter.com/vcvTFmqkfB— Health Protection Agency (@HPA_MV) January 5, 2025

The HPA has issued several recommendations to minimise the spread of respiratory diseases. Individuals with symptoms such as fever or cough are urged to wear masks in public. They are also advised to avoid contact with vulnerable groups, including the elderly and infants. Those experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, unusual fatigue, or prolonged symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention promptly.

China remains a key travel destination for Maldivians. Over 200,000 Chinese tourists visited the Maldives last year. The HPA has emphasised the importance of preventive measures for both residents and visitors to reduce the risk of spreading respiratory infections.