Five years after the Covid crisis, China now faces a new virus outbreak

by

China is seeing a new virus outbreak, with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreading swiftly and triggering flu-like and COVID-19 symptoms.

China is experiencing an epidemic of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) five years after the Covid-19 pandemic. According to reports and social media posts, the infection is spreading quickly, with some alleging that hospitals and crematoria are inundated. Videos posted online depict overcrowded hospitals, with some users claiming that numerous infections, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, are spreading.

There are even claims that China has proclaimed a state of emergency, but this has not been proven. HMPV is known to elicit flu-like symptoms, as well as symptoms comparable to Covid 19. Health officials are keenly monitoring the situation as the infection spreads.

A social media post by an X account known as ‘SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)’ wrote: “China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.” Increased pneumonia and “white lung” infections are putting a load on children’s hospitals.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that China’s disease control body stated on Friday that it was testing a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, with cases of several respiratory infections projected to climb during the winter. The attempt to build a specialized system is intended to assist authorities in developing strategies to deal with new diseases, as opposed to the lower degree of preparedness observed five years ago when the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19 first arose.

The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration would establish a mechanism for laboratories to report cases and disease control and prevention organizations to verify and handle them, according to state broadcaster CCTV, citing an administration official at a press conference. According to an official statement released on Thursday, data for acute respiratory disorders showed an increase in overall infections between December 16 and 22.

Kan Biao, another official, stated at the news conference that China is likely to be plagued by a variety of respiratory infectious diseases over the winter and spring. He stated, without explaining, that the total number of cases this year would be lower than last year.
Pathogens such as rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus have recently been found, with human metapneumovirus cases increasing among people under the age of 14, particularly in northern regions.

In a recent interview with the state-run National Business Daily, a respiratory expert at a Shanghai hospital cautioned the public against mindlessly utilizing antiviral medications to combat human metapneumovirus, which has no vaccination but symptoms similar to a cold.

Leave a Comment