Five years after the outbreak of deadly Covid-19 pandemic that caused over seven million deaths globally, China is reportedly seeing a surge human metapneumovirus or HMPV – a respiratory illness with symptoms similar to those of a flu. This has sparked serious concerns of another health crisis after COVID-19, prompting neighbouring countries to monitor the situation closely.
Several media reports and social media posts suggest that the virus is spreading rapidly in the country. Some even claim that hospitals and crematories are being overwhelmed. As respiratory illnesses alarmingly increase in China, there are complaints of congested hospitals and overburdened healthcare systems.
Some social media users claim that multiple viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Covid-19, are circulating in China. There are even claims that China has declared a state of emergency, however, there’s no official confirmation.
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HMPV surge in China sparks concern According to a Reuters report, the surge in respiratory infections—caused by influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Covid-19, and now HMPV—has raised alarms. In response, China’s disease control authority recently piloted a monitoring system specifically for pneumonia of unknown origin, anticipating a seasonal spike in infections during winter and spring.
The report highlighted an upward trend of HMPV cases in northern provinces, particularly among children under the age of 14.
Although social media reports describe a critical situation, neither Chinese officials nor the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a state of emergency at this stage. First identified in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, closely related to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The virus typically causes mild upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
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However, in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, HMPV can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that HMPV infections have an incubation period of 3 to 6 days, and symptoms may progress from mild cold-like conditions to serious respiratory distress.
Is HMPV virus similar to Covid-19? HMPV causes flu-like symptoms. The virus usually affects the upper respiratory system but can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections. HMPV is more common in winter and early spring.
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While HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for Covid-19) belong to different viral families, they share striking similarities:
-Respiratory Illness: Both primarily target the respiratory system, causing mild to severe infections.
Transmission: Spread occurs through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminat
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