A mysterious viral outbreak is overwhelming some hospitals in China and prompting people to wear face masks again.
Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospital units, parents waiting in long lines with sick children, and patients wearing face masks in packed facilities.
The PUNCH states that unverified reports have also emerged claiming crematoriums and funeral homes are overwhelmed, prompting concerns and comparisons to the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in China.
According to Dailymail on Friday, local news outlets have attributed the outbreak to human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. However, Chinese health officials have not confirmed this as the cause
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The outbreak bears similarities to winter 2022/23 when mycoplasma pneumonia cases—referred to as “white lung”—spiked among children with weakened immunity due to prolonged lockdowns and school closures during the pandemic.
According to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the latest outbreak is largely driven by seasonal flu. Official data indicates that 30% of tests are positive for influenza, and one in seven hospitalised with severe respiratory illnesses has tested positive for the virus.
In its latest report, covering the week leading up to December 29, the Chinese CDC noted a rise in flu-like illnesses across the country. In northern provinces, 7.2% of outpatient visits were attributed to flu-like symptoms, a 12% increase from the previous week and higher than any corresponding week since 2021. In the south, 5.7% of outpatient visits were linked to flu-like illnesses, marking a 21% weekly increase, though still below 2022 and 2023 levels.
Videos showing overcrowded hospitals in Hunan province and other regions surfaced around New Year’s Eve. According to Aboluowang News, a U.S.-based outlet covering China, a farmer in Hunan, identified as Mr. Peng, reported a surge in illnesses in his area.