China is experiencing a surge in infections with a respiratory virus, leading to overwhelmed hospitals, emergency response efforts and public concern about an outbreak.

The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen a surge in cases in northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

The outbreak comes five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which later became a global pandemic that has killed seven million people.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China emerged on social media platforms and local reports said the scenes of an HMPV outbreak were similar to the first Covid outbreak.

Health authorities are taking emergency measures to monitor and contain the spread. However, Beijing has played down the developments as an annual winter event.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday: “Respiratory infections tend to peak in the winter season.”

“The illnesses appear to be less severe and spreading to a lesser extent compared to last year,” she said.

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to colds and flu. While the disease is usually mild, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

The virus is not new but has gained attention amid rising case numbers, particularly among children under 14 in northern China.

First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads via respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. The infections have already been detected in various countries, including the United Kingdom.

Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion and fatigue with an incubation period of three to six days. Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV. Treatment is primarily about managing the symptoms.

Rising cases of HMPV in China

The increase coincides in some cases with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically favor the spread of respiratory viruses. Health officials emphasize that this increase is consistent with seasonal trends.

China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently reported a winter surge in respiratory infections, including HMPV. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified the situation as a global health emergency, but the rise in cases has prompted authorities to strengthen surveillance systems.

A pilot program has been launched to detect pneumonia of unknown origin and ensure laboratories and health authorities report and manage cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing an administration official at a news conference.

Can the HMPV virus spread to other countries?

Hong Kong has reported some cases of HMPV. Neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Taiwan are monitoring the situation closely. Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Agency has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarity to Covid-19 and influenza.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control has found the virus poses a higher risk to children, the elderly and immunocompromised people.

In neighboring India, officials said there was no need to panic as HMPV was “like any other respiratory virus.”

“There was news of a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear. “Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes colds and can cause flu-like symptoms in the very old and very young,” said Dr. Atul Goel, an official at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), according to local media.

Reassuring citizens and tourists, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China,” adding: “It is safe to travel in China .”