Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic, China is grappling with the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus affecting people of all ages.
Reports suggest that hospitals and crematoriums are under strain due to a surge in multiple respiratory infections, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19.
Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospitals, with some users reporting alarming spikes in pneumonia cases, especially among children.
As per reports, a sharp rise in HMPV cases has caused a worrying increase in sudden deaths, especially among those aged 40 to 80.
Taking to X, SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) posted, “China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. Children’s hospitals are particularly strained by rising pneumonia and ‘white lung’ cases.”
China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.
Children’s hospitals are particularly strained by rising pneumonia and “white lung” cases.
— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025
China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported that late December data from the Chinese CDC showed a rise in the HMPV positive rate among cases aged 14 and below.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Discovered in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, similar to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
However, serological studies suggest its presence in humans for over 60 years.
The virus circulates worldwide, causing upper and lower respiratory illnesses, particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms include fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
Li Tongzeng, a chief doctor at Beijing You’an Hospital, explained that HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact like handshakes, or touching contaminated surfaces, according to CCTV.
The virus has an incubation period of 3 to 5 days.
Experts recommend preventative measures such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and boosting immunity.
Additionally, they are cautioning against the use of antivirals for HMPV.
In an interview with the state-backed ‘National Business Daily’, a respiratory specialist from a Shanghai hospital advised against blindly using antiviral drugs to treat human metapneumovirus, which has no vaccine and presents symptoms similar to a cold.
Multiple countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and China have reported cases of HMPV, highlighting its global spread.
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