World
China Faces Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Virus Outbreak
Reports and social media posts indicate that China is facing a significant outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), with indications that the virus is spreading rapidly across the region.
Reports emerging from China’s social media platform, Weibo, indicate that hospitals and crematories are facing significant strain due to overwhelming demand.
Recent videos circulating on social media depict overcrowded hospitals. Users report the presence of multiple viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, in the community.
Reports suggest that China may have declared a state of emergency, although this information remains unverified.
Human metapneumovirus, commonly referred to as HMPV, is recognized for inducing flu-like symptoms and may also exhibit symptoms akin to those associated with COVID-19. Health officials are actively observing the developments as the virus continues to spread.
A social media account identified as ‘SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)’ reported that China is currently experiencing a significant increase in various viruses, such as Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, leading to an overwhelming situation for hospitals and crematoriums.
Children’s hospitals are facing significant pressure due to an increase in pneumonia and “white lung” cases.
In a recent update, Reuters reported that China’s disease control authority announced on Friday the initiation of a pilot monitoring system aimed at tracking pneumonia of unknown origin. Officials anticipate an increase in cases of certain respiratory illnesses as the winter season approaches.
The initiative to create a specialized system seeks to assist authorities in developing protocols for managing unknown pathogens. This effort comes in stark contrast to the inadequate level of preparedness observed five years prior, during the initial emergence of the novel coronavirus responsible for COVID-19.
According to a report by state broadcaster CCTV, an official from the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration announced at a news conference that the agency will implement a new procedure for laboratories to report cases.
This procedure will also involve disease control and prevention agencies in verifying and managing these cases.
An official statement released on Thursday indicates that data for acute respiratory diseases revealed an increase in overall infections during the week of December 16 to 22.
At a recent news conference, official Kan Biao indicated that China is expected to face a range of respiratory infectious diseases during the winter and spring seasons. He stated, without providing further details, that the total number of cases this year is expected to be lower than that of the previous year.
Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of pathogens, including rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus. Notably, there has been an increase in human metapneumovirus cases among individuals under the age of 14, particularly in northern provinces.
