Beijing: China confirmed a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases on Friday, but downplayed the situation, attributing the rise to the seasonal peak in respiratory infections common during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.
During a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed growing concerns over the increase in HMPV cases, which were highlighted by widespread social media posts showing large numbers of people visiting hospitals. Mao emphasized that respiratory infections typically spike during the colder months, offering reassurance about the situation’s scale and severity.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere,” Mao stated, adding that the current wave of HMPV “appears to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”
The foreign ministry spokesperson further assured the public about the safety of both Chinese citizens and foreign visitors. “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China,” she said.
While the surge in HMPV cases has raised alarm, particularly after videos resembling scenes from the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak in China surfaced on social media, officials are downplaying the situation. The COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in China five years ago, claimed millions of lives globally and overwhelmed healthcare systems worldwide.
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), according to the Cleveland Clinic, typically causes mild cold-like symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and sore throat. While most people experience mild illness, the virus poses a higher risk to young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is also widely spread, with most people contracting HMPV before the age of five.
Authorities are monitoring the situation, though current data suggests that the outbreak is not as severe as previous health crises.
