A little less than four years after the COVID-19 Pandemic, China is hit with another public health crisis after the China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NDCPA) reports on the rapid spread of a disease called Human metapheumonirus.

Reports and social media posts indicate that the virus is spreading rapidly within the country, with claims of overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums.

Many videos are also circulating on online depicting a scene of mass panic amongst citizens, with portrayal of hospitals filled with patients and several users alleging a surge in infections caused by multiple pathogens, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19.

While the media is portraying China being in a state of emergency, these claims remain unverified. But local health officials have acknowledged the situation's seriousness and are monitoring the spread of the virus closely.

Symptoms of the virus

Amazingly, the symptoms of the new virus resemble many of that of the Covid-19 virus, which includes cough, runny or stuffy nose, fever, and sore throat.

Because of how similar the symptoms of both the viruses are, it makes it even harder for doctors to accurately diagnose and treat the patient.

Social media accounts have highlighted particular strain on children’s hospitals, reporting a rise in pneumonia and “white lung” cases.

The surge in infections is being examined, especially since it coincides with the winter season, a time when respiratory illnesses typically peak. Data from China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration (NDCPA) shows an upward trend in acute respiratory infections from December 16 to 22, with northern provinces reporting a spike in HMPV cases among children under 14.

The NDCPA has announced that they have started a monitoring system for the new virus. This system aims to establish streamlined protocols for identifying and addressing emerging pathogens, a stark contrast to the challenges faced during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

NDCPA revealed that they will implement a framework for laboratories to report cases and for disease control agencies to verify and respond effectively. Officials predict a seasonal increase in respiratory diseases but expect the overall number of cases to be lower than last year.

Expert Advice for the public

Amid the outbreak, health experts have cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs to treat HMPV. A respiratory specialist in Shanghai emphasized that while HMPV symptoms often resemble those of a common cold, there is currently no vaccine for the virus.

The expert advised focusing on symptomatic relief and preventive measures such as hygiene and respiratory etiquette.