Saccording to a Reuters report, China is experiencing a sharp increase in respiratory infections caused by pathogens such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), rhinovirus and influenza A. Children under 14 are particularly affected, particularly in the provinces. from the north of the country.
HMPV, a virus identified in 2001, is of particular concern. Close to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it can cause symptoms ranging from a simple cold to serious complications such as pneumonia. The elderly, children and immunocompromised individuals are the most vulnerable. This outbreak occurs as winter, a period conducive to the spread of these pathogens, sets in.
On TikTok, Instagram and X, videos showing endless queues in Chinese hospitals are circulating massively. Some posts mention a “state of emergency”, or even an epidemic linked to the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPV). Several images used are old, dating from the Covid-19 crisis in 2022, and have been taken out of context. However, there is no official confirmation to support these claims.
Reinforced vigilance
Faced with this increase in infections, the Chinese authorities have established specific protocols to monitor pneumonia of unknown origin. However, no signs of a new uncontrollable health crisis have emerged. Experts point out that it is common to see peaks in respiratory infections in winter, amplified this year by the co-circulation of several viruses.
Although the WHO has not yet issued any warning, the international community remains on alert. The collective memory of Covid-19, still vivid, fuels concerns about any signal coming from China.