virus
Two baby sisters succumb to mysterious virus after ‘eating unwashed plums’
In a heart-wrenching incident in Rajshahi, two baby sisters passed away within four days of each other after contracting an unidentified virus, as reported by medical professionals.
The almost two-year-old younger sister, Muntaha Marisha, tragically died en route to the hospital last Wednesday, while her elder sister, four years and nine months old Muftaul Mashiya, passed away on Saturday afternoon during treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). The girls were the daughters of Manjur Rahman, a mathematics teacher at Rajshahi Cadet College, residing with his family in the college's quarters in Sarda.
Physicians at RMCH initially suspected a viral infection but awaited confirmation pending laboratory results from samples sent to Dhaka for analysis. The girls' parents, Manjur and Poly Khatun, have been placed in RMCH's isolation ward.
Read: Nipah Virus: Don’t Consume This If You Want to Be Safe
Dr. Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, an ICU physician at RMCH, mentioned that there is a suspicion of the Nipah virus, although the girls' parents refuted this possibility.
He noted that the children had consumed unwashed plums, which could potentially be linked to the Nipah virus or another viral agent. The definitive cause of death awaits the results of the samples sent for testing.
Poly Khatun recounted the events leading to their illness, stating that their domestic help had given the girls unwashed plums from a tree on campus on the morning of February 13. The following day, Marisha developed a fever, exhibited repeated vomiting, and showed signs of severe dehydration. Despite being rushed to the Rajshahi Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Marisha died en route. Mashiya exhibited similar symptoms the next morning and, after initial treatment at the Upazila Health Complex and CMH, was transferred to RMCH, where she was admitted to the ICU.
Read: Nipah virus: Two patients from Manikganj die in Dhaka
Both sisters displayed black spots on their bodies before their deaths, a symptom noted by their mother.
RMCH physician Mostafa Kamal clarified that there have been no reported deaths from the Nipah virus in Rajshahi this year. However, he confirmed that a viral infection caused the sisters' deaths, emphasizing the rapid progression of their illness and the limited opportunity for treatment. The parents remain in hospital isolation as precautions continue.
Read more: Ancient viruses can help fight cancer, scientists say
Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, has been a persistent health concern worldwide. Understanding the symptoms and causes of measles is crucial for individuals and communities to combat its spread effectively. In the wake of a recent measles outbreak in Europe, understanding the symptoms and causes of this highly contagious viral infection is more crucial than ever.
What is Measles? How Does It Affect People?
Measles is characterised by fever, cough, and a distinctive rash. The virus responsible for measles is a paramyxovirus (known as rubeola), and its high contagiousness often leads to outbreaks, especially in areas with low vaccination rates. This contagious viral disease easily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes.
While capable of affecting anyone, it predominantly targets children. Measles initiates in the respiratory tract and then disseminates throughout the body. As a highly contagious disease, it underscores the importance of preventive measures, with vaccination being the most effective way to shield against severe illness, complications, and potential fatalities.
Read more: Foods that Help Relieve Nausea and Vomiting
What are the Symptoms of Measles?
The symptoms of measles typically manifest 10–14 days after exposure to the virus, with a prominent rash being the most evident sign. Early symptoms persist for 4–7 days and include
- A high fever- Runny nose - Cough - Red and watery eyes - Tiredness- White spots inside the cheeks, known as Koplik's spots
The characteristic rash emerges approximately 7–18 days post-exposure, starting on the face and upper neck, and gradually spreading to the hands and feet over about 3 days. This rash persists for 5–6 days before fading. Other measles symptoms may include
- A sore throat- White spots in your mouth- Muscle pain- Sensitivity to light.
Read more: Which Vitamins are Essential for Women?
What are the Causes of Measles?
The measles virus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, is renowned for its highly contagious nature. Spread primarily through respiratory droplets, it easily transmits from person to person. Measles is exceptionally contagious, with individuals at risk of contracting the virus even after an infected person has left the vicinity.
The virus can endure on surfaces and in the air for hours, posing a continual threat. Originating in the nose and throat, measles is transmitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious droplets into the air. These droplets, both airborne and on surfaces, remain contagious for several hours, facilitating the virus's easy transmission.
Measles Health Risks
The primary cause of death resulting from measles is often complications associated with the disease. These complications encompass various serious issues
- Blindness- Encephalitis, an infection leading to brain swelling and potential brain damage- Severe diarrhea, accompanied by dehydration- Ear infections- Severe respiratory problems, including pneumonia.- In the case of a pregnant woman contracting measles, it poses a significant risk, endangering both the mother and potentially resulting in premature birth with a low birth weight for the baby.
Read more: How to Protect Babies and Children from Dengue Fever
Complications, often leading to fatalities, are more prevalent in children under 5 and adults over 30, especially those malnourished or with weakened immune systems, as measles itself can compromise the body's ability to defend against infections, rendering children exceptionally vulnerable.
JN.1: Symptoms, Prevention of and Precautions for the New COVID-19 Variant
The past two years have been a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty, and just when the world thought the situation of Coronavirus pandemic was under control, a new variant, JN.1, has surfaced. This article aims to dissect the symptoms, causes, and implications of JN.1, the new strain of COVID-19.
What is JN.1? How Does it Affect People?
JN.1, an Omicron subvariant, surfaced in September last year amid declining temperatures, showing heightened transmission rates. Stemming from BA.2.86 (also known as Pirola), JN.1 possesses an additional spike protein mutation crucial for SARS-CoV-2 cell interaction.
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises JN.1 as a Variant of Interest (VOI), distinct from its precursor BA.2.86, due to its rapid spread. Recently identified in the United States, close monitoring is essential to comprehend and address the dynamics of this evolving COVID-19 variant.
The rise in JN.1 cases aligns with a general surge in COVID-19 infections. Symptoms of JN.1 infection closely resemble those of earlier Omicron variants, with no apparent increase in severity. While there are hints of potential increased diarrhoea cases, concrete data supporting this observation is currently lacking. Continuous monitoring is essential to better understand the characteristics of this variant.
Read more: Bangladesh reports 53 more Covid-19 cases in 24hrs
Is JN.1 More Transmissible?
JN.1, a descendant in the Omicron lineage, appears to be more transmissible than its precursor, BA.2.86. The observed surge in case numbers indicates increased transmissibility. Several newer variants, including JN.1, exhibit mutations affecting the spike protein's binding strength to respiratory cells, potentially enhancing replication and immune evasion.
While it remains early to precisely gauge JN.1's transmissibility and immune escape compared to other Omicron variants, experts assert its notable virulence. Dr. Joseph Khabbaza from the Cleveland Clinic notes that the current strain seems to deliver a more potent impact than its predecessors.
Who is at High Risk of Infection?
Certain groups face a higher risk of contracting the easily transmissible virus. These include:
- People aged 65 and above- Diabetic people- People with neurological disorders- People who have pre-existing health conditions like COPD, heart diseases, chronic kidney diseases, cystic fibrosis, and individuals suffering from liver ailments- Pregnant women- Smokers- People with a compromised or weak immune system- Healthcare workers- People who are not vaccinated or have not taken booster shots.
Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 35 more cases in 24hrs
What are the Symptoms and Causes of the JN.1 COVID-19 Variant?
JN.1's increasing prevalence implies heightened contagiousness or improved evasion of immune defences, as per the CDC. Currently, there is no evidence indicating it induces more severe disease than other strains, despite potential transmission spikes. Symptoms associated with JN.1 seem comparable to those induced by other strains, encompassing a range such as
- Sore throat- Congestion- Runny nose- Cough- Fatigue- Headache- Muscle aches- Fever or chills- Loss of sense of taste or smell- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing- Nausea or vomiting- Diarrhoea
The nature and intensity of symptoms typically rely more on an individual's overall health and immune condition rather than the specific variant causing the infection.
Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 28 more cases in 24hrs
Nipah Virus: Don’t Consume This If You Want to Be Safe
Md. Babul Hossain, 38, a resident of Manikganj, succumbed to the Nipah virus recently. Just days prior, 27-year-old Lutfar Rahman from the same district died under similar circumstances. Although there was no official confirmation of Nipah virus in Lutfar's case, according to the Upazila Health and Family Planning Center, the situation has sparked panic.
Not only for Manikganj, but it is a matter of concern for Bangladesh, given the vulnerability to this virus in recent years. It is imperative to acquire accurate knowledge about Nipah virus infection and take appropriate action to prevent its spread. To prevent infection, let's understand how the Nipah virus spreads and identify its sources.
What is the Nipah Virus?
Nipah virus, in short NiV, is one of many types of zoonotic viruses. A zoonotic virus refers to a virus that can be transmitted between vertebrates and humans.
While the potential carriers of NiV are numerous, its presence has been observed primarily in pigs and bats. Specifically, the carrier of NiV is fruit bats of the genus Pteropus, commonly known as the flying foxes.
Pteropus is among the largest species of bats globally. They are commonly found in Southeast Asia, India, South Asia, Australia, East Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
Read more: After father-in-law, woman dies of ‘Nipah virus’ in Naogaon
How is the Nipah Virus Spread?
The essential genetic material in an animal's body is RNA or ribonucleic acid. NiV primarily infects the entire animal by targeting this RNA. Subsequently, when another animal comes into contact with the infected one, the viral RNA spreads to the healthy animal. The contact can be made through various mediums, such as
- Direct contact with infected animals, such as bat blood, saliva, vomit, or feces, poses a risk.
- Location of palm trees near yards, water wells, agricultural fields, or domestic animal shelters, can enhance the risks of contamination.
- Consumption of food or water contaminated with body fluids of NiV infected animals, such as palm sap and water from wells contaminated by bats, or partially eaten fruits by bats, can also facilitate the transmission of Nipah virus.
- Contact with an NiV infected person, involving exposure to blood, spit, sneezes, vomit, feces, or even respiratory droplets, is another route of Nipah virus transmission. Several incidents in Bangladesh and India proved that NiV is airborne and moderately contagious.
Read more: Suspected Nipah virus patient dies in Barishal
Most Vulnerable Communities to Nipah Virus Outbreaks
While human-to-human transmission was not initially reported, this phenomenon is being increasingly observed, especially in Bangladesh and neighboring countries like India.
Hospital workers caring for patients infected with Nipah virus, family members of patients, and individuals involved in palm juice harvesting are now at the highest risk.
Nipah virus: Two patients from Manikganj die in Dhaka
Two people from Manikganj, who were infected with Nipah virus after consuming raw date juice, died in Dhaka while undergoing treatment.
The deceased were Babul Miah, 38, son of former union parishad member Mainuddin, and Lutfor Rahman, 27, son of Nazimuddin, hailing from Putail union of Manikganj’s Sadar upazila.
District Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Moazzem Ali Khan Chowdhury confirmed that Babul died after being infected with Nipah virus while Putail Union Parishad Chairman Jasim Uddin confirmed Lutfor’s death.
Read: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 28 more cases in 24hrs
It was learnt from the civil surgeon's office that Babul was admitted to Manikganj 250-bed General Hospital with fever and headache on January 16. A day later, a team from Dhaka’s International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) came and did his medical checkup.
On January 18, he was shifted to a private hospital in Dhaka when his condition worsened and subsequently it was detected that he was infected with Nipah virus.
Babul breathed his last while undergoing treatment in the private hospital last Saturday, the civil surgeon’s office said.
Local UP Chairman Jasim said Lutfor had been suffering from fever, headache and other complications after drinking raw date juice.
Though initially he took medicine from a local pharmacy, later he was hospitalized in Dhaka when his condition deteriorated, he said, adding that Lutfor died while undergoing treatment there on January 16.
Civil Surgeon Dr Moazzem said they had information on Babul’s death from the Nipah virus but are not aware of Lufor’s cause of death.
Read: Dengue: Bangladesh reports zero death with 20 new cases in 24 hrs
According to icddr,b, consumption of raw date juice, contaminated with bat saliva or urine, causes Nipah virus.
Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus
Dengue fever is a viral disease that is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is a significant public health concern in Bangladesh from June to August. However, in some years, it lasted up to December. The symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe and can include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, nausea, and vomiting. Let's take a look at the Dengue tests.
What is a Dengue Test?
A Dengue test refers to a diagnostic procedure performed to determine the presence of the dengue virus or antibodies against the virus in an individual's blood sample. These tests play a crucial role in identifying and confirming dengue infection. Early detection of dengue is crucial for effective management and prevention of severe complications. Several methods are available to detect dengue infection. The most commonly used diagnostic tests in Bangladesh include Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and NS1 antigen test.
PCR
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Dengue test is a molecular diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in a person's blood sample. This test is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for the accurate identification of the dengue virus and its serotypes.
Read more: Food, Drinks during Dengue: What to consume, what to avoid
The PCR Dengue test works by amplifying and detecting the viral genetic material, specifically the viral RNA, present in the blood sample. The test utilizes specific primers that target regions of the dengue virus genome. Through a series of temperature cycles, the PCR machine amplifies the targeted viral RNA, making it detectable.
However, the PCR dengue test is particularly useful during the early stages of infection when the virus is actively replicating in the body. It can detect the virus within seven days of symptom onset, providing a rapid diagnosis. This early detection is crucial for appropriate medical intervention, monitoring, and implementation of preventive measures.
The test is recommended when an individual presents with symptoms consistent with dengue fever, such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. Since these symptoms can also be associated with other viral infections, the PCR Dengue test helps confirm whether dengue is the cause. However, the PCR test is more costly than the NS1 test. Hence, Bangladeshi hospitals use the NS1 antigen test.
Read more: Dengue vs. Severe Dengue: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
NS1
The NS1 Dengue test is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of the dengue virus in the blood. NS1 stands for "nonstructural protein 1," which is a protein produced by the dengue virus during infection. The test detects the presence of this protein, indicating an active dengue infection.
Ancient viruses can help fight cancer, scientists say
Scientists have said relics of ancient viruses that have spent millions of years hiding within human DNA help the body battle cancer, according to a BBC report.
When cancerous cells escalate out of control, dormant remnants of these old viruses are reawakened, according to a study by the Francis Crick Institute.
This resurgence of these old viruses “unintentionally” helps the body’s immune system by targeting and attacking the tumour.
The study – published in the journal Nature – suggested a correlation between increased lung cancer survival and the presence of B-cells aggregating around tumours, according to the researchers.
Read More: Shakib launches cancer foundation to support underprivileged patients
B-cells usually manufacture antibodies in our body and are better known for their vital role in battling infections, such as Covid-19, BBC reports.
Although the exact functionality of these cells are yet to be identified, it was evidenced -- based on a series of intricate experiments using samples from patients and animals – that they are attempting to fight viruses.
"It turned out that the antibodies are recognising remnants of what's termed endogenous retroviruses," Prof Julian Downward, an associate research director at the Francis Crick Institute, told BBC.
Retroviruses have the clever ability to insert their genetic instructions into our own.
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Some of these foreign instructions have been adopted over time and serve beneficial purposes within our cells, while others are tightly regulated to prevent their spread, according to the researchers.
These ancient genetic instructions are no longer able to resurrect whole viruses but they can create fragments of viruses that are enough for the immune system to spot a viral threat.
"The immune system is tricked into believing that the tumour cells are infected and it tries to eliminate the virus, so it's sort of an alarm system," Prof George Kassiotis, head of retroviral immunology at the biomedical research centre, told BBC.
The antibodies stimulate other parts of the immune system that eliminate the "infected" cells -- the immune system is attempting to stop a virus, but in this case is eliminating cancerous cells, according to Professor Kassiotis.
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Meanwhile, Dr Claire Bromley, from Cancer Research UK said that the study adds to the growing body of research that could one day see this innovative approach to cancer treatment become a reality.
Adenovirus: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnose, Prevention, Cure
As the world recovers from the devastating blow of Covid 19, another virus is shaping up to be a looming threat. We are talking about Adenovirus of the family Adenoviridae. This virus has been on the rise in India, especially in West Bengal. This life-threatening virus causes prolonged flu-like illness in children. As the cases rise, now is a better time than ever to understand the symptoms, causes, preventions and treatments of Adenovirus.
What is Adenovirus?
Adenovirus belongs to the wider Adenoviridae family. The virus itself is relatively small compared to its other family branches. What’s surprising here is that Adenovirus has over 50 different types of mutations which affect the human body, especially children in different ways.
Adenoviruses are non-enveloped with double-stranded DNA that acts as their genetic material. The non-enveloped structure helps them to survive outside a host body for an extended period.
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The most common illness caused by Adenovirus includes respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, and gastrointestinal infections. Sometimes the effect of Adenovirus can get compounded. A person with a weakened immune system like an HIV AIDS patient or someone undergoing chemotherapy might fall severely ill due to Adenovirus.
How Does Adenovirus Transmit?
Adenoviruses are highly contagious and can use several different means of contamination. It spreads from one person to another through bodily fluids like urine, saliva, and blood. The infected person needs to be quarantined as soon as they show symptoms of prolonged flu combined with a weakened immune system. There are several ways through which Adenovirus can get into a healthy person.
- If a carrier of Adenovirus sneezes or coughs in front of a healthy person, they might get infected with respiratory droplets.
- If a healthy person comes in contact with any surface previously used or touched by the contaminated person.
- If there is any form of physical contact. Especially around the eyes, mouth, or nose.
- Sexual contact with an infected person can also cause Adenovirus to spread. It often leads to secondary genital infections.
- Using the same utensils as used by the infected person.
Read More: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention
Symptoms of Adenovirus
The symptoms of Adenovirus differ from variant to variant. Depending on the variant a person contracts, they might notice different symptoms which are completely unrelated to one another. Sometimes the symptoms can even get compounded.
The general symptoms include.
- Cough, fever, runny nose, and chills. These are signs of bronchitis-related Adenovirus infection.
- A sore throat, stuffy nose, and swollen glands might be indicators of respiratory Adenovirus infection.
- Barking cough, trouble, and noise while breathing
- Otitis media
- Pneumonia
- Diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and stomach pain
- Meningitis
- Infection of the urinary tract
- Swelling around the eye
Read More: 11 Home Remedies for Cough in Kids
Among these symptoms, persistent fever and swollen eyes are serious signs of aggravated Adenovirus infection in children. Contact the pediatrician as soon as possible in such cases.
How to Diagnose Adenovirus?
Adenovirus infection can be diagnosed in several ways. All of these involve lab tests and some of which are pretty common due to the similar diagnostic procedure to Covid 19.
Viral culture
Viral culture is the traditional way of detecting the presence of viruses in body fluids. A sample of the patient's bodily fluid, such as blood, urine, or respiratory secretions, can be collected and checked whether there is the presence of Adenovirus in the body.
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Nipah virus kills 5 this year: Health Minister
A total of five people died of Nipah virus across the country this year, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Sunday.
“Eight people were infected with Nipah virus and of them five people died,” he said at a press briefing over the Nipah virus outbreak at the Secretariat.
Usually more than 70 percent of infected people die and people who drink raw date juice and fruits partially eaten by birds, especially bats, have possibility of being infected with the virus, he said.
“Besides, healthy people who come in contact with the infected ones also have possibility of being infected with the virus and it spreads from person to person quickly which is a matter of concern,” he added.
The government has taken steps to prevent the spread of Nipah virus, said the minister.
“First of all we have to make people aware about the virus through media,” said Maleque.
Besides, the government has taken step to create dedicated ward and separate Intensive Care unit at hospitals for providing treatment to the infected people, he said.
Also read: Transfer of immunity against Nipah virus from mother to child: icddr,b
There is vaccine or medicine for treatment of Nipah virus infected patients, he added.
He also urge people to remain alert about the spread of the virus, refrain from drinking raw date juice and fruits eaten by birds or animals.
Replying to a question about the current situation of the virus, the minister said “We are trying our best to contain the spread of the virus.”
China economy recovering but hampered by virus outbreaks
Wang Jian is anxious to get back to work teaching basketball to children now that China has lifted anti-COVID-19 restrictions. But his gym in the eastern city of Shenyang has been closed for a month because all its coaches are infected.
The most optimistic forecasts say China's business and consumer activity might revive as early as the first quarter of this year. But before that happens, entrepreneurs and families face a painful squeeze from a surge in virus cases that has left employers without enough healthy workers and kept wary customers away from shopping malls, restaurants, hair salons and gyms.
“I hope the situation will turn around in March or April with no more COVID shocks,” said Wang, 33, who went without a paycheck for four months when the gym closed during virus outbreaks. “If parents worry about possible reinfection, they simply won’t send their children for training.”
The abrupt decision by President Xi Jinping's government to end controls that shut down factories and kept millions of people at home will move up the timeline for economic recovery, but might disrupt activity this year as businesses scramble to adapt, forecasters say.
“This will be a bumpy process,” said Dong Chen, chief Asia economist for Pictet Wealth Management.
“People still are struggling with infections, but we think this could be temporary,” Chen said. “Broadly, we think this is a positive surprise.”
The decision to accelerate China's reopening is a boost for the global economy at a time when activity in the United States and Europe is weakening after repeated interest rate hikes by central banks to cool surging inflation.
It is likely to help revive auto sales and propel demand for imported consumer goods, oil and food in China, one of the biggest global markets. Countries including Thailand with big tourism industries look forward to an influx of Chinese travelers.
The World Bank and private sector forecasters have cut estimates of China's economic growth last year to as low as 2.2% due to the infection spike that started in early October and challenged Beijing's “zero-COVID” goal of isolating every case. The International Monetary Fund expects a recovery to 4.4% this year, but that still would be among the lowest levels of the past three decades.
“Zero-COVID” kept China’s infection numbers low but shut down Shanghai and other industrial cities last year for two months, disrupting manufacturing and shipping. Business groups said global companies were shifting investment plans away from China because rules that required visitors from abroad to quarantine for a week kept executives from visiting.
The ruling party promised Nov. 11 to reduce the cost and disruption. A series of surprise announcements rolled back travel and other restrictions that health experts and economists had expected to persist through mid-2023.
On Sunday, Beijing began allowing travelers to enter China without quarantines. The government has yet to say when China will resume issuing tourist visas.
“The sudden, chaotic way in which pandemic policies have been changed means that growth will be hampered in new ways,” Daniel H. Rosen, Charlie Vest and Rogan Quinn of Rhodium Group said in a report. High numbers of infections make it "realistic to expect production to be hampered for a substantial part of 2023.”
Forecasters say the economy probably contracted in the final quarter of 2022 as virus case numbers rose and retail spending and trade fell.
Exports shrank after American and European consumer demand was depressed by interest rate hikes. That forces Chinese planners to make up for lost foreign sales by trying to boost consumer demand.
“The key to rapid economic recovery" is to "convert income into consumption and investment as much as possible,” one of the country's most prominent financial figures, Guo Shuqing, the ruling party secretary for the central bank, told the official Xinhua News Agency.
Informal measures show public and business activity improving but weak.
This month’s subway passenger numbers in 10 large cities recovered to 55-60% of the level a year ago, up from 30-35% last month, according to Macquarie Group. Roads are growing more congested.
Foreign companies that see China as a critical market welcome the change but are struggling, said Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.
“Companies were not prepared for this abrupt change,” said Zheng, whose group has about 1,000 member companies. “It is hard to manage a workforce when a lot of people are getting sick.”
Still, “things are almost going back to normal,” Zheng said. “Once life goes back to normal and consumers are out shopping, things will definitely improve.”
Another business group, the American Chamber of Commerce in China, said more than 70% of companies that responded to a poll last month expressed confidence the infection wave would last no more than three months and end early this year.
The ruling party is trying to nudge up growth by easing restrictions on financing for real estate and winding down anti-monopoly and data security crackdowns on tech companies that caused their stock market values to plunge.
In December, regulators announced Ant Group, an online financial company that was forced to call off a planned multibillion-dollar public stock offering in 2020, would be allowed to raise 10.5 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) for its consumer unit, more than doubling its capital.
“These measures are helpful, but far from enough to move the needle,” Larry Hu and Yuxiao Zhang of Macquarie said in a report.
Hotels, restaurants and other businesses hoping for a boost from this month’s Lunar New Year holiday, the busiest tourism season, suffered a blow when some local authorities appealed to migrant workers to skip traditional visits to their hometowns that might spread infections.
The operator of the 12-room Oriental Hotel in the eastern city of Hefei, who would give only his family name, Huang, said he is losing 4,000 yuan ($550) a month. His occupancy rate is 20%, well below the 50% needed to break even.
“People stay home and maybe they worry about possible reinfection,” Huang said. “If it stays the same for another year, I will give up running the hotel.”
The National Health Commission stopped announcing case numbers last month, but reports by city and county governments suggest hundreds of millions of people might have been infected.
The Zhengtai Restaurant in the northwestern city of Jinzhong closed for two weeks because almost all its 57 employees were infected, according to the manager, Chang Zhigang. Chang said the business has lost about 2 million yuan ($300,000) per year since the start of the pandemic.
“We don’t expect the situation to turn around within a short time, given there are very few people on the street,” Chang said.