China downplayed concerns over a reported flu outbreak, attributing the rise in respiratory infections to a routine winter seasonal surge.
Despite the spread of social media videos showing overcrowded hospitals, Chinese authorities insisted the situation did not constitute a significant health crisis.
China’s foreign ministry said the outbreak was less severe than last year. “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said, addressing questions about the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases.
She added: “The illnesses appear to be less severe and spreading at a lower rate compared to last year. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China.”
Mao also referred to guidelines from China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration for treating respiratory diseases in winter.
“No cause for concern,” says the Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health said on Friday that it was closely monitoring the situation in China, particularly with regard to the reported outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) in India, said: “News is circulating about an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. However, we have analyzed the respiratory outbreak data in the country (India) and there is no significant increase in the December 2024 data nor have any major cases been reported by our institutions. There is no cause for concern about the current situation.”
Goel added that Indian hospitals were prepared with adequate supplies and beds for the usual seasonal surge in respiratory infections. He recommended that the public follow standard precautionary measures such as: B. avoiding close contact if you have symptoms such as a cough or cold to prevent transmission.
Reports from China suggest that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) may be responsible for the increase in infections. However, the Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not declared a state of emergency.
What is human metapneumovirus?
HMPV was discovered in 2001 and, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), belongs to the family Pneumoviridae, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virus generally causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections with symptoms similar to a cold or flu.
Although it is being closely monitored, health experts emphasize that its effects remain manageable under standard medical protocols.