China is confronting a significant outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Social media reports and videos highlight overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums, with claims of a state of emergency, though official confirmation is lacking.
HMPV, which causes flu-like symptoms and can mimic Covid-19, is reportedly spreading alongside Influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19. A social media post noted that children’s hospitals are particularly burdened by rising pneumonia cases and the “white lung” phenomenon.
In response to the growing threat, China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has initiated a pilot monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, aiming to enhance preparedness for potential unknown pathogens. This contrasts with the lower level of readiness observed during the initial Covid-19 outbreak.
Officials reported an uptick in acute respiratory diseases from December 16 to 22, with northern provinces seeing a rise in HMPV cases, particularly among children under 14. Other pathogens, such as rhinovirus, have also been detected.
Respiratory experts caution against the misuse of antiviral drugs for HMPV, as no vaccine exists, and symptoms are often similar to the common cold. Authorities expect respiratory infections to peak during winter and spring, though they anticipate fewer overall cases than last year.
As the outbreak unfolds, health officials and monitoring systems are working to mitigate its impact while addressing concerns about China’s preparedness for respiratory disease surges.
