China is witnessing an increase in infections of a respiratory virus, known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), prompting authorities to take emergency measures, according to the Independent.
The surge in HMPV cases comes five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed the lives of nearly 7 million people around the world. This has raised concerns over a new virus outbreak that could spread worldwide.
Virus Spread in China
According to social media and local reports, the HMPV cases have been rising across northern Chinese provinces in winter, especially among children. Photos and videos showed hospitals overcrowded with people wearing masks, in scenes that remind of the initial outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan in 2019.
However, Beijing has not confirmed an outbreak, downplaying the infections as an annual winter occurrence.
During a press conference on Friday, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”
What Figures Show
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s data, up to the last week of 2024, showed an increase in multiple flu-like illnesses, reported Newsweek. According to data, influenza led infections, with 30.2% testing positive for it, and 17.7% of people hospitalized for severe respiratory illness testing positive for it.
The same data indicated the rates of HMPV cases are on top of other flu-like illnesses, such as COVID-19, rhinovirus and adenovirus. The HMPV was linked to 6.2% of positive respiratory illness tests and 5.4% of people hospitalized for severe respiratory illness in China.
Official Response
In response to rising cases of HMPV, Chinese health authorities are taking emergency measures in an attempt to monitor and contain the spread of the virus. The state broadcaster CCTV cited an administration official who said that a pilot program has been launched to detect pneumonia of unknown origin and make sure that labs and health agencies report and manage cases in a more efficient way.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not marked the situation as a global health emergency.
HMPV Symptoms
The HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to common cold and influenza. Although most cases are mild, HMPV can cause severe illness to some people, particularly young children, people over 65, and people with weakened immune systems. Most people get HMPV before they turn 5. They can get it again but with mild symptoms.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the HMPV symptoms include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and shortness of breath. The virus complications can lead to pneumonia, asthma, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or ear infection.
The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects. The incubation period is 3 to 6 days. There is no vaccine or specific medication for HMPV, so people are advised to manage symptoms at home.
Fear of HMPV Spread
Other countries are closely monitoring the situation in China, fearing the potential spread of HMPV. Hong Kong has reported few HMPV cases, while neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Taiwan are watching the situation. The Communicable Disease Control Department in Cambodia issued warnings on HMPV, citing its similarity to COVID-19 and influenza.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control warned that the virus poses higher risk for children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
In India, officials reassured citizens, saying that HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus.” The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official, Dr. Atul Goel, said: “There has been news doing the rounds about a Metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms.”
