For several days, worrying rumors have been circulating on social networks concerning a mysterious epidemic affecting China, plunging certain hospitals and crematoriums into a state of saturation. Videos showing endless hospital queues, with patients wearing masks and parents holding their sick children, have fueled speculation. Some speak of a return of the pandemic, while others are concerned about the circulation of several respiratory viruses, including the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). But what do we really know about this situation?
Scenes similar to those of the first wave of Covid-19
The images circulating on Instagram, TikTok or X have been seen by millions of people. We see striking scenes: queues in crowded hospitals, masked patients and overwhelmed crematoriums. Some posts suggest a state of emergency has been declared to combat this mysterious outbreak. This information, however, has not been confirmed by either the Chinese authorities or the World Health Organization (WHO).
The videos shared on the networks are often from different times and places, and some of them date back to 2022, during the Covid-19 epidemic in China. Others, dating from late 2023, show images from the children’s hospital in northern China, where respiratory infections were circulating, mainly affecting young children. Additionally, the vast majority of viral posts link to unreliable sources, such as The Epoch Times, which is known for spreading conspiracy theories.
So, what is really happening in China? The virus in question, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), is not new. First identified in 2001, this respiratory virus causes symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu: cough, fever, nasal congestion and fatigue. Although most infections are mild, this virus can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, especially in infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
In China, an increase in HMPV cases has been observed, particularly in the northern provinces, where children are particularly affected due to winter temperatures and indoor activities. Chinese authorities have not declared a state of emergency, but have set up a pilot program to better track pneumonia of unknown origin and manage cases more effectively. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reassured the population, specifying that respiratory infections are common in winter and that the situation is less serious than the previous year.
No global crisis, but a situation to monitor
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared this outbreak a global health crisis. Although the situation in China has attracted attention, HMPV is considered a seasonal virus, similar to other respiratory viruses. In some neighboring countries, such as Cambodia and Taiwan, warnings have been issued due to increased risks to children and vulnerable people. However, no pandemic alert has been issued and public health authorities, particularly in India, have assured that this virus does not warrant widespread panic.
Chinese authorities continue to manage the situation by strengthening surveillance measures and ensuring that hospitals and clinics have the necessary resources to deal with this winter outbreak. It is important to remember that, unlike Covid-19, there is no specific vaccine against HMPV and treatment is mainly based on symptom management.
In summary, even if the images of queues and saturated hospitals may recall the beginnings of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to nuance the current situation. The virus responsible for this epidemic, human metapneumovirus, is a seasonal respiratory virus whose symptoms are generally mild. No state of emergency has been declared and China, like the WHO, downplays the seriousness of the situation, calling it a recurring winter phenomenon.
Although the situation merits monitoring, there is currently no reason to speak of a new pandemic. Global health authorities are closely monitoring developments in cases, but for now there is no threat of a global health crisis. It is therefore essential to distinguish facts from speculation, particularly on social networks, and to follow the recommendations of the competent authorities.
