A new outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is congesting hospitals in China at the beginning of 2025. Since December, healthcare centers have been handling reports of adults and children with symptoms similar to covid-19, so they are urging to reinforce preventive care in susceptible individuals such as the elderly, people with underlying conditions (cancer, asthma, diabetes, and others), pregnant women, and the elderly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the government of China have not spoken out, but according to The Mirror, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that this latest outbreak is being led by a regular flu. At least 30% of the tests are positive for influenza. "One in seven people has been hospitalized with a severe respiratory illness after testing positive," the aforementioned outlet says.
On social media, photos and videos are circulating of people waiting in hospitals to be attended to.
Chinese CDC officials specify that in the northern provinces, 7.2% of outpatient visits to local hospitals were for flu-like illness. The figure increased by 12 percent last week above the levels of the 2021 flu season.
The Mirror reported that in southern China, 5.7 percent of outpatient visits were due to an illness similar to the flu. Residents of the area say they are symptoms of a cold and the flu.
"The officials have not confirmed it yet, but the situation has been compared to a similar moment in China in the winter of 2022, when cases of 'white lung' experienced an increase," says the aforementioned media outlet.
What are the symptoms of human metapneumovirus and how is it transmitted?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a disease that causes symptoms similar to those of the flu or a cold.
The contagion routes are similar to those of covid-19 as they involve direct contact with an infected person or objects that have the patient's fluids. It can be transmitted through kissing, hugging, shaking hands, touching contaminated surfaces, or coughing. Therefore, to prevent it, it is recommended to use masks, wash hands frequently, and disinfect surfaces.
The symptoms of human metapneumovirus are cough, fever, nasal discharge or congestion, sore throat, wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound), difficulty breathing, and rash.
In a mild infection, symptoms can last for a few days or a week, but in a severe infection, they can last for several weeks and require hospitalization.