China Encounters New Virus Outbreak Five Years After the COVID Crisis

China is dealing with a new virus outbreak, as the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreads quickly, leading to flu-like and COVID-19-like symptoms.

China is experiencing an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) five years after the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports and social media posts indicate that the virus is spreading quickly, with some claiming hospitals and crematories are overwhelmed. Videos circulating online depict overcrowded hospitals, and some users report that multiple viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, are currently circulating.

There are unverified claims that China has declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak. HMPV is known to cause flu-like symptoms and can also present symptoms similar to those of Covid-19. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as the virus continues to spread.

A Reuters report indicates that China’s disease control authority announced on Friday that it is piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin. The system is being introduced as cases of various respiratory diseases are expected to increase during the winter. This initiative aims to help authorities establish protocols for handling unknown pathogens, marking a shift from the lower preparedness levels seen five years ago when the novel coronavirus, responsible for Covid-19, first emerged.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration will set up a procedure for laboratories to report cases, while disease control and prevention agencies will verify and manage them. This was shared by an administration official during a news conference. Official data indicated a rise in acute respiratory diseases, showing an overall increase in infections during the week of December 16 to 22, as reported in a statement released on Thursday.

China is expected to face a rise in various respiratory infectious diseases during the winter and spring, according to Kan Biao, another official, who spoke at a recent news conference. He added that, without providing further details, the overall number of cases this year is anticipated to be lower than last year's. Recent cases have included pathogens like rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with an increasing trend of HMPV cases among individuals under 14, particularly in northern provinces.

In a recent interview with the state-backed National Business Daily, a respiratory expert from a Shanghai hospital cautioned the public against indiscriminately using antiviral drugs to combat human metapneumovirus. While there is no vaccine for this virus, its symptoms are similar to those of a common cold.