Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the globe, China may be dealing with a new virus outbreak, according to reports from multiple news outlets on Friday, Jan. 3. Some social media users are claiming a little-known virus is overwhelming hospitals.
It’s known as human metapneumovirus, or HMPV for short. It reportedly causes flu-like symptoms. There are now social media posts alleging the virus is overtaking emergency rooms, but Chinese authorities are not confirming those claims.
Official reports in China indicated rates of multiple flu-like illnesses are on the rise, but people are only being asked to wear face masks and wash their hands frequently by government officials.
Meanwhile, India’s top health official said people should not panic over the spread of the virus. He said that there was “no substantial” increase in infections from the virus in December 2024, and cases have not been reported in large numbers “from any other institutions.”
Furthermore, India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that it is closely monitoring seasonal flu and respiratory cases, and is in close contact with international agencies.
Doctors said that HMPV typically spreads through droplets spread by coughing, sneezing or touching a surface contaminated by the virus, then an individual touching their hands, eyes, nose or mouth.
HMPV is reportedly most active in the winter and early spring, alongside the flu and common cold. The virus is relatively new, first detected in 2001, and is sparking concerns that it could lead to another global pandemic.
Earlier this week, China asserted that it shared information on COVID-19 “without holding anything back” after the World Health Organization insisted Beijing release more data on the pandemic’s origin.
China defended its data sharing on COVID-19, arguing that it has made the “largest contribution to global origin trace research.”
