“The media have been very interested in respiratory viruses circulating in China, and in particular the human metapneumovirus. I would like to share with you what we know about the situation and what advice to give to the public,” Dr Margaret Harris, WHO spokesperson, said at a press briefing in Geneva.
Based on information provided by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (or China CDC) in its report dated January 2, 2025 (covering data through December 29, 2024) and shared during meetings between the World Organization of Health (WHO) and Chinese authorities, there has been “an increase in a number of common respiratory infections in the country, as would be expected during winter.”
Hospital utilization rate currently lower than last year
However, the levels of respiratory infections reported in China are “within the usual range for the winter season”.
According to the WHO, Beijing reports that “hospital utilization rates are currently lower than at this time last year and no emergency declarations have been made and no measures taken.” was taken.”
Note that China has a sentinel surveillance system for influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections. According to China CDC data, the pathogens causing these infections are known and include seasonal influenza virus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), HMPV (human metapneumovirus), and SARS-CoV-2 ( the virus that causes COVID-19).
Of the pathogens reported by the China CDC, seasonal influenza is by far the most common and is increasing. As of late December, the flu test positivity rate was greater than 30% among people with flu-like symptoms in sentinel site outpatient and emergency departments.
Human metapneumovirus is not a new virus
More broadly, the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) has recorded increasing trends in influenza in the northern hemisphere, where it is currently winter in some parts from Asia, Europe, Africa and some Caribbean countries.
Regarding HMPV, the WHO reminds that it is not a new virus. First discovered in 2001, it is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring. It usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to those of the common cold.
HMPV usually causes cold-like symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose, or sore throat. In some cases, it can lead to more serious illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia.
“The youngest and oldest are most at risk, as well as immunocompromised people, that is to say those whose immune systems are weakened,” said Dr. Harris.
Measures to prevent the spread of the disease
More broadly, the Geneva-based UN agency notes that simple measures can prevent the spread of the disease. This includes staying home when sick and wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places.
The WHO also recommends improving ventilation where possible (by opening a window to circulate air, for example), covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, wash your hands regularly and get vaccinated as recommended by your doctor.
“People in an at-risk group, such as the elderly or immunocompromised, should consult a doctor if they feel ill,” advises the WHO.
H5N1 avian influenza is common in wild birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows.
Bird flu risk remains ‘low’ after death of US patient
Furthermore, the day after the first death from avian flu in the United States, the WHO stressed that the risk for the entire population remained “low”.
The H5N1 virus responsible for the disease does not circulate in humans but is introduced into humans.
According to the UN’s global health agency, the H5N1 virus responsible for the disease “does not circulate in humans but is introduced into humans” who are exposed to poultry or dairy cattle.
“We are not seeing sustained circulation,” said Dr. Harris.
The man who succumbed to the illness in Louisiana was over 65 years old and apparently suffered from underlying health conditions. According to health authorities, he had been exposed to chickens and wild birds.
Several dozen people have contracted bird flu in the United States during the current outbreak, mostly farmworkers in close contact with flocks of poultry and livestock. Dr. Harris stressed that the WHO’s assessment of risk to the general population “is still low and remains fixed.”
The main concern is for people who work in animal industries, as they need to be better protected against infection.
The WHO spokesperson added that the United States continues to exercise “great surveillance” over the human and animal population, “over the methods we use for agriculture, for our food production… all these things have to be combined because there is always a risk.”
