As photos and videos emerge on social media showing Chinese hospitals overwhelmed with people amid a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV — a respiratory illness with symptoms similar to the flu — serious concerns raise fears of a new health crisis after COVID-19.
Beijing, however, downplayed the developments in recent days, passing them off as an annual winter event.
As international reports warned travelers to reconsider their travel plans to China at this time, Beijing issued a press release to address these concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday that “respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season.”
Reassuring citizens and tourists, she said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China,” adding that “it is safe to travel to China.”
Asked about overcrowded hospitals and reports of an increase in respiratory illnesses, she said “diseases appear to be less severe and spreading on a smaller scale compared to the previous year.” She also urged citizens and tourists to refer to the guidelines issued by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China.
Over the past few days, there has been a sudden increase in respiratory illnesses across China, reminding people of a similar increase during COVID-19. Media outlets in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and Japan have also warned their citizens to be aware of the situation in China and take necessary precautions.
Chinese hospitals have been overwhelmed by cases of HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19.
WHAT IS HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS or HMPV
HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to serious breathing problems, especially in children and vulnerable groups. It is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The disease was first identified in 2001, but no vaccine has been developed to prevent it.
Symptoms of HMPV are similar to the flu, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. However, in severe cases, the virus can cause complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.
Depending on the severity of the case, the incubation period usually lasts 3 to 7 days and full recovery may take a few more days.
HMPV is a communicable disease, meaning it can spread through the air as well as through contact. Coughing or sneezing can spread it. The virus remains active on the surface of objects at room temperature, so touching such an object can also lead to infection.
It’s similar to Covid in many ways. Some of the similarities are that they are both respiratory illnesses that cause cough, fever, congestion, sore throat, and shortness of breath. They are both spread by respiratory droplets.
