By Li Muzi, Vision Times
As temperatures cool, a surge of viral infections has begun to sweep across China, with cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spreading rapidly across multiple provinces. Health authorities have issued emergency alerts warning that the latest outbreaks involve “shifting viral strains” and a sharp rise in pediatric hospitalizations.
According to “Toutiao News,” the Henan Provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported on Oct. 16 that HFMD cases have reached their “seasonal peak.” Viral monitoring indicates a shift from the CA16 strain to the CA6 strain — both capable of producing distinct symptoms. Children under five remain the most vulnerable group.
Henan reports spike as virus strains shift
Experts explained that the CA16 strain typically causes rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth, while the CA6 strain can also affect the knees, elbows, and torso, sometimes leading to large blisters and even nail loss after recovery. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and the fecal–oral route, with more than 60 percent of cases occurring in children under three.
As CA6 becomes the dominant strain this season, experts warn that its higher transmissibility could lead to localized outbreaks, particularly in kindergartens and daycare centers.
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Hospitals in Jiangsu overwhelmed by pediatric patients
Reports from “Sina Finance” indicate that pediatric departments in Danyang, Jiangsu Province, have seen patient volumes jump by about 30 percent since early October. Night shifts are particularly strained, with doctors attending to nearly a hundred children per night, with most presenting with symptoms that include fever, cough, or sore throat.
Hospitals in the city noted that HFMD cases have nearly doubled compared with summer levels. While most mild infections resolve on their own, doctors caution that severe cases can lead to encephalitis, myocarditis, or pulmonary edema — complications that may result in lasting issues or even death.
Meanwhile, a related illness, “herpangina,” is also spreading. Doctors attribute the rise to mild autumn weather conducive to viral growth, as well as increased cross-infection since the start of the school term.
Parents across Hunan, Guangdong, and Zhejiang provinces have taken to social media to share their experiences, reporting that their children developed severe nail shedding after recovering from HFMD. One parent wrote, “My son’s nails all fell off after getting better.” Others lamented the rapid spread of infections, sharing online, “There are too many viruses now. It’s impossible to guard against everything.”
Respiratory virus outbreak hits Shanghai
Meanwhile, Shanghai has reported a new outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). On Oct. 8, the city’s Children’s Hospital recorded long lines in its emergency, pediatric, and respiratory wards, with the number of child patients up roughly 30 percent compared with late September.
Some families reported that multiple members were infected at the same time. Several parents said their children were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), with some even asked to sign critical condition notices.
The rise in respiratory illnesses has fueled a wave of speculation online. Many netizens questioned whether the outbreak might be linked to the COVID-19 virus. “Why don’t they call it COVID anymore?” questioned one user, while another noted, “A new variant must be spreading again.”
Public health experts are urging parents to remain vigilant by emphasizing hygiene and early medical consultation if their children develop rashes, fever, or respiratory symptoms. While no official link to COVID-19 has been confirmed, the overlapping surge of HFMD and RSV underscores the strain on China’s healthcare system as seasonal viruses intensify.
