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Governments across the globe, including our own have confirmed that they are monitoring a surge in infections of a respiratory virus in China, after panicky social media reports of overcrowded hospitals sparked concerns over the outbreak.

The virus, which has been identified as the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

Now before anyone starts yelling about ‘fear-mongering’, it is worth noting that authorities describe the outbreak as an ‘annual winter occurrence’. If anything, the hysterical Instagram and X posts we’re seeing are likely the result of selective paranoia and don’t seem to represent the full story. So relax Karens, a few shaky Insta stories doth not a pandemic make.

⚠️ BREAKING:

Hospitals in China Overwhelmed as Severe “Flu” Outbreak, Including Influenza A and HMPV, Resembling 2020 COVID Surge.

Hospitals in China are overwhelmed as outbreaks of “influenza A” and “human metapneumovirus” resemble the COVID-19 surge from three years ago. pic.twitter.com/mPF6XGjQCY

— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) December 28, 2024

While local reports compared the scenes to the initial outbreak of COVID-19, Beijing is implementing measures to monitor and manage the spread of ‘pneumonia cases of unknown origin’ with China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying on Friday: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season.”

“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”

The Independent reports that the spike in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically fuel the spread of respiratory viruses. Health officials emphasize that this surge is consistent with seasonal trends.

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza. While the illness is typically mild, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The virus is also not new and was first identified in 2001. Cases have been previously identified in various countries including the United Kingdom. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are also keeping a close watch on the situation, with India’s officials saying there is no need for panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus”.

The South African government has also announced that it is ‘watching’ the respiratory virus outbreak which has emerged from China, but emphasised “It is the normal respiratory season in China but with a later start than expected.”

“ We will continue our routine surveillance and public health communications, and act on any new information or alerts. There is no need for the public to panic and the department of health working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases will keep the public up to date when there are new developments.”

The latest social media freak-out comes five years after the Covid-19 pandemic which originated in Wuhan and caused widespread health and economic disruptions globally. But, once again for the conspiracy theorists in the back, there is no need to panic.

If we had to believe everything we see on social media, we’d never leave our bunkers.

[source:independent&timeslive]