HMPV Surge in Northern China Overwhelms Hospitals, Affects Children Under 14

Jan 6, 2025, 05:02 PM

China is experiencing a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease first identified in 2001 that causes symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. The outbreak is particularly affecting children under the age of 14 in the northern regions of the country. Hospitals in China are reportedly overwhelmed, raising concerns about a potential new epidemic. The Chinese government is monitoring the situation and has implemented measures to curb the spread of respiratory diseases, including mask-wearing and social distancing. HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, and there is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment available. Neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong are also monitoring the situation, though no widespread outbreaks have been reported in these regions. Neither the World Health Organization nor the Chinese government has declared a public health emergency regarding HMPV, with the latter stating that the current situation is a normal seasonal rise in respiratory infections.