Medical preparation prioritizes future prevention work against A/H1N1: China's health authorities

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China is experiencing what experts call "a second round of A/H1N1 flu infections". The mainland has confirmed some 35-thousand infections as of Monday. So far, three death have been reported. The latest was in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, after a patient died on Sunday. With recent infections increasing rapidly, health authorities are strengthening their efforts to combat the spread of the virus.

Health authorities say recent A/H1N1 infections have spread fast since the start of the new school term in September.

Among the over 1,000 mass infections reported on the mainland, over 90 percent were discovered in schools.

With winter approaching, health experts say a surge of A/H1N1 infections will be inevitable.

Feng Zijian, expert of China CDC, said, "We estimate that the A/H1N1 infections in the mainland will be quickened and more widespread as the weather turns cold. The number of infections and severe cases will both see a rise. So our future prevention work will focus on the medical preparation for the virus."

Facing the second round of the A/H1N1, health authorities have intensified preventive measures.

Mass vaccinations are underway to protect the public. Measures are also being taken to prevent flu outbreaks in communities.

Medical institutions have prepared adequate equipment, medicine and other material for possible outbreaks.

Liang Wannian, Deputy Director of Emergency Office of Health Ministry, said, "We have asked health departments and hospitals at all levels to be well prepared for possible outbreaks. At the same time, we required them to also provide good service for people's daily medical needs."

The Health Ministry says treatment is another focus of the ongoing work.

Efforts are being made to reduce the number of seriously ill patients as well as the number of deaths.