China battles another deadly virus: Hospitals and crematoriums full; pneumonia cases surge among children
PTC Web Desk: China is facing a new health crisis as the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreads rapidly, raising concerns five years after the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports and social media posts suggest that hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed, with videos showing crowded medical facilities. Alongside HMPV, other viruses such as Influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19 are reportedly contributing to the surge in respiratory illnesses.
Speculations on social media claim that China has declared a state of emergency, although this remains unverified. HMPV, known for causing flu-like symptoms, can mimic Covid-19, further complicating diagnosis and treatment efforts. The health authorities are monitoring the situation closely as infections rise.
⚠️ BREAKING:
China ???????? Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.
Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX — SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025
An account on X (formerly Twitter) named 'SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)' posted: "China is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. Children's hospitals are particularly strained due to rising pneumonia and 'white lung' cases."
In response to the outbreak, China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has launched a pilot programme to monitor pneumonia cases of unknown origin. This initiative aims to enhance preparedness for future pathogens, a lesson learned from the delayed response during the initial COVID-19 outbreak.
The system includes a framework for laboratories to report cases, while disease control agencies will verify and manage the data. A report from state broadcaster CCTV revealed that respiratory infections, including HMPV, showed an upward trend from December 16 to 22. Northern provinces, in particular, are seeing a rise in HMPV cases among children under 14.
Kan Biao, a senior official from the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, stated that respiratory infections typically surge during winter and spring. However, he noted that the overall number of cases this year is expected to be lower than last year.
A respiratory expert from a Shanghai hospital, in an interview with National Business Daily, cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs for treating HMPV. The virus, which currently has no vaccine, presents symptoms resembling the common cold. The expert stressed the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- With inputs from agencies
