Social media is filled with videos of hospitals being overcrowded and overwhelmed due to rising cases of the HMPV virus, influenza, and more.
Currently, social networks are full of alarming videos in which several people can be seen wearing masks and crowding hospitals. Several users on social networks have stated that there is an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country. Not only HMPV, but some publications also suggest that cases of influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Covid-19 have been reported leaving hospitals and cemeteries in crisis.
Is China facing a new epidemic?
After the Covid-19 pandemic, the world was shattered and paralyzed which affected everyone in one way or another. Some are still dealing with the long, life-changing consequences. Any sign of a virus outbreak creates a feeling of fear of the unknown.
If social media reports are to be believed, people in China are in a state of panic. However, there has been no official confirmation from either the Chinese health authorities or the World Health Organization (WHO). The veracity or credibility of the videos that appear on the Internet is not supported at the moment. No concrete evidence has yet been found to support these claims.
Videos on social networks about virus cases in China
⚠️ BREAKING NEWS:
Hospitals in China 🇨🇳 overwhelmed by severe “flu” outbreak, including influenza A and HMPV, similar to 2020 COVID surge.
Hospitals in China are overwhelmed as “influenza A” and “human metapneumovirus” outbreaks resemble the COVID-19 surge three years ago. pic.twitter.com/mPF6XGjQCY
— SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) December 28, 2024
Few publications claim that China has declared a state of emergency, but no official confirmation has been received so far. The videos started appearing around December 28, 2024.
What is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus is a disease very similar to the cold. It can cause more breathing problems. Older adults, children, and people with relatively low immunity are at higher risk of contracting the virus.
Symptoms of HMPV
- Cough
- High fever
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty breathing
This can also progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. According to the Center for Disease Control, HMPV is contagious and can be transmitted from infected people. Droplets or secretions from coughing, sneezing, close contact, or contact with infected people or objects can spread the virus.
Maintaining proper hygiene, washing hands, avoiding close contact with infected people, avoiding touching eyes, nose, etc., are basic preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing any virus.
