分类： health

As China steps into the winter flu season, health authorities are calling for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to curb the spread of influenza. Peng Zhibin, a prominent researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the current surge in flu cases is primarily driven by the H3N2 subtype of influenza A. While infections from the H1N1 subtype and influenza B viruses are less prevalent, the overall situation remains concerning. Peng confirmed that no novel influenza strains or new respiratory pathogens have been detected so far. However, she emphasized that flu activity is rapidly escalating across most regions, with childcare facilities and schools being particularly affected. Data reveals that children aged five to 14 are experiencing significantly higher flu detection rates compared to other age groups. To mitigate the spread, Peng urged the public to get vaccinated promptly and adhere to personal protective measures such as wearing masks and ensuring proper ventilation. She also stressed the importance of health monitoring and maintaining hygienic environments in schools and other key facilities. Schools are advised to track student absences due to illness and encourage sick individuals to stay home.

Indonesia has successfully overcome its recent polio outbreak, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday. This milestone follows nearly three years of rigorous efforts to combat the resurgence of the highly contagious disease, which had been officially eradicated in the country in 2014. The outbreak emerged in 2022 in Aceh province, driven by low immunization rates and poor environmental conditions. At the time, only 50.9% of infants in Aceh received polio vaccinations, a figure significantly lower than the national average. Misinformation about vaccine compatibility with religious beliefs further hindered immunization efforts, compounded by the government’s focus on COVID-19 vaccinations. Over the next two years, cases spread to multiple provinces, including Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, North Maluku, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and South Papua. In response, nearly 60 million additional doses of polio vaccine were administered to children. The last confirmed case was reported in South Papua in June 2024, and no poliovirus has been detected since. WHO’s declaration marks a critical step toward global polio eradication. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin attributed the success to the dedication of health workers and community commitment, while WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Director Saia Ma’u Piukala emphasized the need for continued vigilance. Sadikin pledged to maintain Indonesia’s polio-free status through strengthened immunization programs, enhanced surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration. UNICEF Indonesia Representative Maniza Zaman highlighted the importance of sustained momentum to ensure all children receive necessary immunizations.

Chinese researchers have marked a significant milestone in xenotransplantation, as a gene-edited pig kidney has successfully functioned in a macaque for over a year. This groundbreaking achievement was announced by a team from a hospital affiliated with Tongji Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan. Led by Professor Chen Gang, the experiment underscores China’s emergence as a global leader in this cutting-edge field, paving the way for future clinical applications. Xenotransplantation, which addresses the critical shortage of human organs, often relies on pigs due to their physiological similarities to humans and fewer ethical concerns compared to human gene editing. However, overcoming immune rejection across species remains a major challenge. Chen’s team tackled this by sourcing specific pathogen-free ‘clean pigs’ to eliminate porcine cytomegalovirus, a common cause of rejection. Additionally, they developed a precise immunosuppression protocol to balance rejection prevention and infection risk. With an estimated 2 million people worldwide needing organ transplants annually, this breakthrough offers hope for end-stage patients. ‘Xenotransplantation is a beacon of hope for life extension,’ Chen emphasized. This achievement builds on earlier successes by U.S. researchers and positions China at the forefront of this vital medical research.

A groundbreaking development in the fight against Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), commonly known as tick fever, has been achieved by a Chinese research team. Led by Professor Wu Xilin from Nanjing University Medical School, the team has created a combination of nanobodies that demonstrate broad and potent efficacy against the disease. This innovation is particularly significant as SFTS cases are on the rise globally, and no specific treatments have been available until now. The study, published as the cover story in the journal Science Translational Medicine, highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple domestic institutions. SFTS, transmitted through tick bites, causes severe symptoms such as high fever and a drastic reduction in platelet count, often occurring between April and September. The research team initially isolated first-generation nanobodies from alpacas, which showed promise in mouse trials. To combat the challenge posed by the virus’s multiple subtypes, the team developed a ‘cocktail therapy’ approach. This involved immunizing alpacas with antigens from different viral subtypes and identifying two potent nanobodies that target conserved viral sites, effectively blocking infection. When tested on infected ferrets, the nanobody cocktail led to complete survival, undetectable viral loads, improved platelet counts, and reduced tissue damage. The team has now initiated preclinical research, with Professor Wu expressing hope for a drug that can both treat and prevent SFTS.

China’s pioneering ‘flying hospital,’ a collaborative initiative between the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, has achieved a significant milestone. Equipped with a newly upgraded Class 1 clean operating room, the aircraft is now capable of performing both ophthalmology and otorhinolaryngology surgeries. This advancement marks a critical step in China’s efforts to establish a high-level aviation medical system and enhance precision healthcare delivery via air platforms. The project, which began with a focus on ophthalmology, has now expanded to include ENT services, setting a global precedent in aviation medicine. The flying hospital, operating from a domestically manufactured aircraft, completed its first mission on September 5, transporting over 30 medical professionals from Shanghai to Shihezi in Xinjiang. During this mission, the aircraft provided advanced diagnostic services to nearly 50 patients, leveraging 5G technology for remote consultations with specialists in Shanghai. The addition of the operating room aligns with directives from the National Health Commission to improve cataract surgery capabilities in rural areas and accelerate in-flight surgical development. The operating room features customized domestic equipment and a bolt-free design, enabling rapid installation within eight hours. Innovations such as a variable wind speed laminar flow module have overcome technical challenges, making it possible to integrate surgical functions into the aircraft cabin. The hospital plans to begin with cataract surgeries, addressing high demand in underserved regions, and expand to common ENT procedures like nasal polyp and sinusitis operations. This initiative not only improves access to quality healthcare in remote areas but also strengthens China’s emergency medical response capabilities.

A groundbreaking study published in *The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease* has unveiled a concerning trend in China: the growth rate of young-onset dementia (YOD) is now significantly outpacing that of late-onset dementia (LOD). The research, which analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease study spanning 1990 to 2021, highlights a critical shift in the burden of dementia across age groups. While the total number of LOD cases remains higher, the incidence and prevalence of YOD—defined as onset before age 65—have surged more sharply since 2012. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for early intervention and preventive measures. Dr. Han Ying, a leading cognitive disorders specialist at Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing, emphasized that dementia prevention must begin as early as age 40, particularly for individuals in the prime of their careers and family responsibilities. The study also identified key modifiable risk factors for both YOD and LOD, including tobacco use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body mass index (BMI). Notably, these risk factors exhibit significant gender-based variations, with tobacco use posing a greater threat to men and high glucose levels and BMI affecting women more severely. Dr. Han urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles and prioritize brain health from midlife to mitigate these risks.

In response to China’s rapidly aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, a community fitness center in Tianjin’s Hedong district is leading the charge in senior health management. Launched in August 2025, the Fuminlu Community Health Service Center has introduced tailored exercise programs designed to address chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. With over 1,000 participants already enrolled, the center combines medical expertise with fitness training to offer a holistic approach to health.