With the Spring Festival holiday in February, increased travel, gatherings, domestic tourism, and outbound travel are expected. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds the public to take precautions against cold weather and pay attention to health risks such as influenza and other acute respiratory infections, human infection with avian influenza, norovirus gastroenteritis, foodborne illnesses, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Those traveling abroad should also be aware of risks related to mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus disease, as well as Nipah virus disease.

1. Influenza and Other Acute Respiratory Infections Winter and spring are peak seasons for acute respiratory infections in China. Increased gatherings during the Spring Festival raise transmission risks. Recent monitoring indicates that pathogens such as influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus are the main causes of acute respiratory infections. Although the overall trend of respiratory infections is declining, the season remains active. Key recommendations: - Maintain good hygiene: Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; wash hands frequently; avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; maintain a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and get adequate rest. - Avoid close contact with individuals showing flu-like symptoms. If contact is necessary, maintain a distance of at least one meter and wear a mask. - Those with respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or sore throat should avoid crowded places. Wear a mask when seeking medical care or traveling (e.g., on trains or flights). - Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. Eligible individuals, especially pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions, are encouraged to get vaccinated. Other respiratory disease vaccines may also be considered based on suitability.

2. Human Infection with Avian Influenza Human infection with avian influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by accidental transmission of avian influenza viruses to humans. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, and muscle pain. Severe cases may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure. The primary source of infection is infected birds and animals. Humans can be infected through contact with infected birds, animals, their secretions or excretions, or contaminated environments. Key recommendations: - Avoid direct contact with birds and other animals. Use protective measures and practice hand hygiene if contact is necessary. - Follow safe food practices: Keep raw and cooked foods separate; use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw poultry and eggs; ensure poultry and eggs are thoroughly cooked; purchase inspected and quarantined chilled or frozen poultry; avoid buying live poultry for slaughter. - Seek medical attention promptly if fever, cough, or breathing difficulties develop within seven days of contact with birds or visiting live poultry markets, and inform the doctor of possible exposure.

3. Norovirus Gastroenteritis Norovirus gastroenteritis is spread through contaminated food or water, contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, or inhalation of aerosols from vomit. People are generally susceptible to norovirus and may be infected multiple times due to limited cross-protection between virus strains. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, with diarrhea more common in adults and vomiting in children. Outbreaks occur year-round, with a peak from October to March. Frequent family gatherings and close contact during the Spring Festival increase the risk of transmission through improper food handling or close contact. Key recommendations: - Practice hand hygiene, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and before handling food. - Ensure food and drinking water safety: Avoid raw water; wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly; cook food well, particularly oysters and shellfish. - Disinfect properly: Use chlorine-based disinfectants for vomit or fecal contamination; replace and wash contaminated clothing or bedding; wear disposable gloves during cleanup and wash hands afterward. - Report cluster cases in households, restaurants, or care facilities to local health authorities and cooperate with outbreak investigations.

4. Foodborne Illnesses Foodborne illnesses are infections or poisonings caused by consuming contaminated food. During the Spring Festival, increased food purchasing, family meals, and dining out raise the risk of foodborne diseases. Microbial contamination, often due to improper handling or cross-contamination, is a common cause. Key recommendations: - Wash hands frequently, especially before meals and after using the toilet. - Choose fresh, safe ingredients and keep raw and cooked foods separate during preparation. - Dine at reputable, hygienic restaurants. - Avoid undercooked food, unwashed produce, food of unknown origin, wild mushrooms, and homemade herbal wines or dishes to prevent poisoning from toxic plants. - Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than two hours; refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat thoroughly before eating.

5. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common from November to March. During the Spring Festival, indoor gatherings, use of coal or charcoal heaters, and indoor hot pot or barbecue meals in poorly ventilated spaces increase the risk. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, with severe cases potentially fatal. Key recommendations: - Use central heating when possible. If using coal or charcoal heaters, ensure proper ventilation and avoid sealing rooms; install carbon monoxide detectors and maintain them regularly. - Use certified gas water heaters installed by professionals; ensure ventilation during use and shut off properly afterward; conduct regular inspections. - Restaurants offering hot pot or barbecue should ensure adequate ventilation; avoid prolonged stays in enclosed spaces. - Do not leave car engines running in garages or basements; avoid sleeping in cars with air conditioning on and windows closed; check vehicle exhaust systems regularly for leaks.

6. Mosquito-borne Diseases (Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika) Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus diseases are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Travel to tropical or subtropical regions during the Spring Festival requires precautions against mosquito bites. Key recommendations: - Prevent mosquito bites: Use mosquito repellents, bed nets, and screens indoors; wear long sleeves and pants outdoors; apply insect repellent to exposed skin; avoid staying in damp, shaded areas. - Seek medical care after returning home if symptoms like fever, rash, or joint pain appear, and inform the doctor of recent travel and mosquito exposure.

7. Nipah Virus Disease Nipah virus disease is a zoonotic infection believed to be naturally hosted by fruit bats. Pigs and other domestic animals can carry the virus and transmit it to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their fluids, or consumption of contaminated food (e.g., fruit bitten by bats). Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals or their bodily fluids, often in households or healthcare settings. Travelers should check WHO and national health advisories before travel. Key recommendations: - Avoid contact with bats and other animals during travel; do not consume potentially contaminated food; avoid contact with suspected cases. - Avoid non-essential travel to outbreak areas. Seek immediate medical care if fever or headache develops during or after travel, and report possible exposure.