New Delhi: China is grappling with a surge of respiratory illnesses, notably human metapneumovirus (HMPV), as winter sets in. The outbreak comes five years after the outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic with various reports suggesting that hospitals and crematories are struggling to cope with the rising number of cases. Social media posts and online videos depict overcrowded hospitals, while some users claim that multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and even Covid-19, are circulating simultaneously.
HMPV virus surge in China
There has been a lot of buzz of online that a ‘new epidemic’ has hit China. Few posts even say that China is covering up the real extent of the situation. While there is indeed a rise in respiratory illness in China, neither the Chinese government nor the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued any formal advisories or alerts or declared emergency.
The reports claim that the spike in HMPV cases has led to an alarming increase in sudden deaths, with people aged 40 to 80 being particularly affected. “China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. Children’s hospitals are particularly strained by rising pneumonia and ‘white lung’ cases,” said a post by SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) handle on social media platform X.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies, reported news agency ANI citing official sources. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly,” official sources said.
Is there really an epidemic?
Some users on X have posted videos showing crowded hospitals and even speculated that China’s hospitals are overwhelmed with this “new virus outbreak.” However, there is no credible evidence to support these claims. Both the Chinese health authorities and WHO have not issued any official statements confirming such a crisis.
In fact, while the flu and hMPV are contributing to respiratory infections, influenza A remains the leading cause of illness this winter. Yes, there are more cases of hMPV, but this is still a localized issue, and there’s no sign it’s reaching pandemic levels. It’s also important to remember that hMPV isn’t new—it was first identified in 2001 and typically causes seasonal outbreaks, reports TOI.
What are the symptoms of HMPV?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
Li Tongzeng, a chief doctor from the Department of Respiratory and Infectious Diseases at Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University said that HMPV can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, and people-to-people contact, such as handshakes, or touching an object contaminated with the virus, the CCTV reported. It has an incubation period of between three to five days.
What is the most affected age group?
HMPV, which can infect people of all ages, is most common in children, raising further public health concerns. The surge in cases is affecting kids and older adults. Little ones, whose immune systems aren’t fully developed yet, are particularly susceptible. The elderly, or anyone with conditions like asthma or COPD, are also at a higher risk of more serious complications.
People with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions are also at higher risk for complications. The virus spreads through droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, so crowded places are high-risk areas for transmission.
What is driving the surge?
Experts say this uptick in respiratory cases, including hMPV, is largely driven by the cold weather and the resumption of regular life post-COVID. For years, strict lockdowns and reduced social interactions kept many viruses at bay, leaving people, especially kids, with less exposure to everyday pathogens. Now that the world is more open, there’s a bit of a “catch-up” period as people are re-exposed to these bugs, which is hitting children and vulnerable adults the hardest.
How does it spread?
It is most likely to spread from an infected person to others through:
Secretions from coughing and sneezing.
Close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands.
Touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
According to the CDC, HMPV circulates in distinct annual seasons and circulation begins in winter and lasts until or through spring.
HMPV virus prevention tips
To reduce the risk of HMPV and other respiratory illnesses, the CDC recommends the following steps:
– Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
– Wearing masks in crowded places during outbreaks.
– Staying home when sick to prevent the spreading of the virus.
– Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
The outbreak has heightened awareness about the need for preventive measures, especially since no vaccine exists for HMPV despite the virus being known for nearly two decades. Authorities in all of Asia are keeping a close watch on the flu outbreak and the respiratory virus spread in China. Regions surrounding China are implementing strict monitoring measures. Hong Kong, for example, has reported very few cases.
