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China Faces HMPV Outbreak Five Years After Covid, Hospitals Overwhelmed, No Vaccine Available

Jan 3, 2025, 07:42 AM

China is grappling with an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), five years after the Covid-19 pandemic. The virus, which causes flu-like symptoms similar to the common cold and Covid-19, is spreading rapidly across the country. Reports indicate that hospitals, especially children's hospitals, are overwhelmed, with videos circulating on social media showing crowded medical facilities. The outbreak has raised concerns about a potential multi-virus health crisis, as other respiratory viruses like influenza A, RSV, and Covid-19 are also circulating. Chinese health authorities have not officially confirmed a state of emergency, but they are monitoring the situation closely. The disease control authority in China is piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, expecting an increase in respiratory diseases during the winter months. No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine exists for HMPV, and health officials are urging the public to take precautions such as wearing masks and frequent hand washing.