China is currently grappling with a new health phenomenon that has raised widespread concerns. Hospitals appear to be overwhelmed with patients experiencing respiratory issues, and there are unconfirmed reports of increased activity at crematoriums. Videos and testimonies circulating on social media depict hospital units filled with patients wearing masks and long lines in pediatric wards.
Local media have attributed the outbreak to a lesser-known virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. However, Chinese health authorities have not confirmed this cause. Officially, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the flu is the primary culprit of the outbreak, with 30% of respiratory infection tests returning positive for the flu. One in seven patients with severe symptoms have been hospitalized for the same reason.
Videos Spark International Concern
As reported by the Daily Mail, videos released around the New Year show hospital overcrowding in provinces such as Hunan and other regions. A testimony from a farmer in Hunan, published by Aboluowang News, described the situation as critical: “Many people are sick, and this week around seven or eight people died in our area.” An anonymous crematorium manager added, “There are long queues for cremation. The furnaces work around the clock, and the situation is extremely difficult.”
Rising Incidence of Flu
According to the CDC’s latest report, as of December 29, 7.2% of outpatient visits in northern Chinese provinces were related to the flu, marking a 12% increase from the previous week. In southern provinces, the corresponding figure was 5.7%, showing a 21% rise. While these levels are higher than those of 2021, they remain lower compared to the same period in 2022 and 2023. Health authorities have warned that the outbreak requires ongoing monitoring.
Meanwhile, HMPV is also showing significant presence, responsible for 6.2% of positive tests for respiratory infections and 5.4% of hospital admissions. Although these rates are lower than those for the flu, HMPV surpasses other similar diseases such as COVID-19, rhinovirus, and adenovirus in transmission levels.
Authorities’ Stance
So far, neither the Chinese government nor the World Health Organization (WHO) has made an official statement on the situation. Despite their silence, the increase in respiratory infections recorded by Chinese data is raising concerns about the possibility of a larger crisis.
Experts are urging authorities to provide more transparency and take timely measures to address the situation. China, which faced intense criticism for its handling of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, is once again under the scrutiny of the international community.
