Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, China is now battling another viral outbreak—human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Reports indicate that the virus is spreading rapidly across the country, with claims that hospitals and crematories are overwhelmed. In addition to HMPV, other viruses, including Influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and even COVID-19, are circulating.

What’s Happening In China?

Unverified reports suggest that China may have declared a state of emergency due to the surge in cases. A social media handle, SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19), posted a video showing overcrowded hospitals, captioned, “China Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.”

⚠️ BREAKING:

China 🇨🇳 Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.

Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX

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— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025

“Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China.”

Authorities in China have urged citizens to wear face masks and wash their hands frequently to curb the spread of these viruses. HMPV, which mimics the symptoms of flu and COVID-19, is under close surveillance by health officials as they monitor its rapid spread.

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Pneumoviridae family. It is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus subgroup C. The virus can cause upper and lower respiratory diseases in people of all different ages. However, young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems are reported to be particularly vulnerable to HMPV. The virus was discovered in 2001, first isolated in 2001 in the Netherlands using the RAP-PCR technique to identify unknown viruses in cultured cells.

Symptoms of HMPV

According to US centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus symptoms are similar to that of the other viral infections common during winter season. Here are the most significant symptoms of HMPV virus in China.

Cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath are the initial symptoms which may aggravate and lead to problems like bronchitis or pneumonia. This is similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.

Incubation period of the infection is reported to be three to six days- After getting infected, people may see its symptoms three to six days.

Is there any treatment available for this virus?

As of now, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and other vaccine to prevent HMPV infection.

Precaution for HMPV

Just like that of Covid-19 precautions like Washing hands with soap whenever you come home after going out.

-Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

-Maintain Social distance, especially with infected people

• In case of any symptoms similar to that of the virus, isolate yourself.

-People should cover their hands and mouth while sneezing.

-Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with those infected

-Stay at home when sick