Flu epidemic not likely in China ( 2003-12-20 11:04) (Xinhua) China's Ministry of Health
(MOH) said Friday that there was only a slight possibility of a massive
influenza occurrence in the country during the coming New Year's Day and
traditional Spring Festival.
But a possible epidemic of so-called Fujian A flu in certain regions cannot
be ruled out, it said.
The Fujian A virus strain was first found last August by Chinese medical
experts in the country's southeastern Fujian Province. The flu hit the United
States, Canada and some European countries recently.
Since last July in China, the total number of flu cases decreased slightly
from a year ago, but Fujian A flu cases recorded marked increases.
Chinese medical experts said the flu vaccine used this year canpartially
protect against Fujian A, but still urged people to pay attention to hygiene at
public sites, constantly open windows at home and do more exercise
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