Viral outbreak overwhelms some hospitals in China: report

BEIJING: A mysterious viral outbreak is overwhelming some hospitals in China and prompting people to wear face masks again.

Videos on social media appear to show medical units struggling with large numbers of patients, foreign media reported on Friday.

Parents were seen holding sick children amid long queues in pediatric care late at night.

Many are drawing similarities with the early dark days of the Covid pandemic five years ago from its start in the city of Wuhan.

According to local news reports, a little-known virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been blamed. It normally causes a mild cold-like illness, including fever, a cough, runny nose and wheezing. In severe cases, HMPV can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in children.

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close physical contact, making it highly contagious in crowded settings.

The World Health Organisation highlighted the increase in cases in a November bulletin, noting that respiratory infections had been on the rise since October.

In response, China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration launched a pilot monitoring system aimed at identifying and managing pneumonia of an unknown origin. This initiative is designed to improve tracking and response to the surge in winter-related respiratory infections.

Although social media is filled with claims of overcrowded hospitals, no official reports suggest that the situation is critical. However, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration China (NCDPA) acknowledged a notable rise in respiratory infections between December 16 and 22.

The ongoing pneumonia outbreak is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups, including young children and the elderly.

China played down reports of a massive outbreak of flu in the country overwhelming hospitals, saying that cases of the respiratory diseases which occur during the winter were less severe this year compared to last year. The Foreign Ministry here said it is safe for foreigners to travel to China.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media here in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in China.

“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” she said.

“I can assure you the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China,” she said.

She also referred to guidelines issued by the NDCPA regarding the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in the winter.

Health officials maintain the outbreak is an annual occurrence during the winter. China is currently experiencing severe cold weather for the past few months.