China downplayed issues over a reported flu outbreak, citing a daily seasonal surge during the winter as the cause of the rise in respiratory infections.
Chinese officials argued that the condition does not represent a major health problems, despite circulating social internet videos showing overcrowded clinics.
According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the pandemic is less serious than it was last year. In response to questions about the spread of virus A and other respiratory illnesses, director for the Chinese foreign ministry Mao Ning said that respiratory infections typically peak during the winter in the northern hemisphere.
She continued,” The illnesses appear to be less severe and have less of a spread than they did last year. I can tell you that the Chinese government is concerned about the health of both Chinese nationals and immigrants. It is safe to travel in China”.
Mao also cited recommendations issued by China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration for managing respiratory ailments over the winter.
‘ Nothing to be alarmed’, says wellness department
The health ministry announced on Friday that it was closely monitoring the situation in China, particularly in light of the rumored human microbial pneumonia ( HMPV ) outbreak.
Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services ( DGHS) in India, said,” There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus ( HMPV ) outbreak in China. However, we have analyzed the data of the respiratory outbreaks in the country] India], and there is no substantial increase in December 2024 data nor any large-scale cases reported from our institutions. The current circumstance doesn’t cause any alarms.
Goel added that American hospitals are equipped with the necessary supplies and pillows for the customary annual rise in lung infections. He advised the people to follow standard procedures, such as avoiding near email if experiencing symptoms like a sneeze or cold, to stop transmission.
According to reports from China, HMPV ( Human Metapneumovirus ) may be responsible for the rise in infections. However, Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) have not declared any state of emergency.
What is Individual Metapneumovirus?
HMPV was first identified in 2001 and belongs to the respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) family, which is described by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ). Upper and lower bronchial infection typically manifest as the flu or cold.
Health experts emphasize that its effects can still be managed under accepted clinical protocols despite the strict scrutiny it is receiving.
