ISTANBUL

China urged citizens on Wednesday to take precautions amid a surge in infectious respiratory illnesses.

Several regions including northern Tianjin, eastern Zhejiang and southern Guangdong reported a surge in influenza cases, primarily of type A H3N2 or B/Victoria, the Beijing-based Global Times reported.

The Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised residents to take preventive measures such as getting vaccinations and paying attention to personal hygiene.

Tianjin has established an early warning system, classifying the influenza outbreak as Level III.

The Zhejiang Center for Disease Control noted that winter has always been a peak season for influenza, with lower temperatures conducive to transmission of the virus.