Health Officials warn of continued influenza and gastrointestinal infections in Spring

The Health Bureau (SSM) has reported a 29.1% influenza positivity rate, reflecting a slight decrease in cases since the Spring Festival holiday. However, officials stress that the virus remains active within the community.

As spring approaches, cases of respiratory and gastrointestinal infectious diseases are expected to rise.

During a press conference yesterday, Ieong Chon Kit from the Center for Disease Control noted that the influenza positivity rate peaked at 29.1% in the fourth week of the year, an improvement compared to last year’s peak of 32.9%.

He reported approximately 1,282 medical visits related to influenza in the past week alone, including 1,035 adults and 247 children.

In addition to influenza, the SSM has recorded 15 outbreaks of gastroenteritis since the start of the year, affecting about 178 individuals. Fortunately, the symptoms have been relatively mild, with no severe cases or fatalities reported.

Mandatory disease reports showed no significant increases in cases of norovirus, rotavirus, salmonella, or bacterial food poisoning.

The average weekly number of norovirus cases has decreased from 14 last year to 10 this year, while rotavirus and salmonella cases remained stable at averages of three and one per week, respectively.

Ieong further explained that before the emergence of Covid-19, coronaviruses were common in the region, often causing cold-like symptoms.

“Rhinoviruses are responsible for many colds, and other viruses, such as human metapneumovirus and certain strains of gastrointestinal viruses, are also present during this season,” he stated.

“Since there is no vaccine available for many respiratory infections, general preventive measures are essential,” Ieong advised.

Wong Fong Ian, head of the Pediatrics Department at Conde de S. Januário Hospital, reported that patients visiting pediatric emergency departments are primarily suffering from gastroenteritis, with symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting.

Most cases are mild, and patients generally recover within a few days with adequate rest, hydration, and good personal hygiene. However, Wong cautioned that if symptoms recur after improvement, it may indicate reinfection or complications.

However, he emphasized that individuals should be alert for more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, mucus or blood in the stool, or persistent fever, which require immediate medical attention.

The SSM has reiterated the importance of maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene to minimize the risk of infections.

Officials confirmed that the current influenza strain, type A (H1N1), aligns with the vaccine components procured by the government, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing the severity of cases. Victoria Chan