China's HMPV Surge Raises Concern as Hospitals Fill Amid Winter Illness Spike

Jan 3, 2025, 09:48 AM

China is reportedly facing a new outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), five years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Several news outlets and social media reports suggest that the country is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including HMPV, influenza A, RSV, COVID-19, mycoplasma, and pneumococcus. Videos circulating on social media purportedly show hospitals in China becoming crowded with patients suffering from these illnesses. The surge, which includes symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, wheezing, and shortness of breath, is causing concern both within China and globally. HMPV spreads through contact, coughing, or sneezing, and there is currently no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine available. The outbreak is occurring during the winter season, when respiratory illnesses typically rise. Neighboring countries, including India, are monitoring the situation closely.