Expert warns possible small-range outbreak of flu
( 2003-07-10 10:23) (Xinhua)
A noted influenza expert is warning of a possible small-range outbreak of flu
in China in this coming winter and early spring next year.
Prof. Guo Yuanji, of the China Disease Prevention and Control Center, said on
Thursday that many signs indicated an active flu virus this year, but he ruled
out the possibility of avian influenza, or "bird flu".
In spring this year, cases of the influenza A-3 virus rose sharply and a new
variant developed. Since the year 2000, the flu situation has been stable. As a
general rule, however, there was a peak outbreak of flu after several stable
years, said Guo.
A medical survey across the country showed most people examined had the
antibody of the virus, Guo said, and generally, when 70 percent of a population
had an antibody, the virus was likely to mutate.
He acknowledged that many people mistook mycoplasmal infection for the flu.
In recent years, he said, the beginning of November saw an increase in cases of
mycoplasmal infection in Beijing, but usually flu cases emerged at the end of
November.
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