By A Correspondent

China is facing a significant rise in cases of a respiratory virus, causing overcrowded hospitals, the introduction of new monitoring protocols, and growing public anxiety about a potential outbreak.

The virus, known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen a sharp increase in infections across northern provinces, with children being particularly affected this winter.

This new wave comes five years after the global alert about the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, which ultimately triggered a pandemic, resulting in seven million deaths worldwide.

Social media has been flooded with images and videos showing people wearing masks in Chinese hospitals, with local reports drawing parallels to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, health authorities have implemented new measures to track and manage pneumonia cases of unknown origin.

However, Beijing has sought to downplay the situation, suggesting it is part of the usual winter pattern.

On Friday, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, “Respiratory infections generally peak during the winter months. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale than last year.”

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory infection that resembles the symptoms of a cold or flu. While most cases are mild, the virus can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.