Neighbors Concerned about Increase in Respiratory Illness Cases in China

A surge in respiratory infections in China has caught the attention of neighboring countries and regions. The Chinese public is expressing concerns about the severity of this new outbreak, given the ongoing distrust of the Chinese Communist Party’s health reporting post-COVID.

Official data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, dated to the last week of 2024, indicates a rise in multiple flu-like illnesses in China. The primary pathogens identified in outpatients and emergency wards include influenza, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and rhinoviruses. Severe acute respiratory infections are linked to influenza viruses, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and HMPV.

The report highlights the increase in cases of HMPV, a lesser-known common winter respiratory disease causing illness in many children under 14 in China’s northern provinces. HMPV has become the second most prevalent cause of respiratory infections in China’s north after influenza.

HMPV was first detected by Dutch researchers in 2001 and has since been found worldwide. Its symptoms are similar to those of influenza, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, which are indicators of upper respiratory tract infections.

The virus can lead to complications such as bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, asthma, or ear infections, with severe cases resulting in serious lower respiratory tract infections.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, young children, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at high risk for severe HMPV infections.

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has minimized concerns among the population about respiratory illness, attributing the rise in cases to a winter peak of respiratory infections.

“At present, the scale and intensity of the epidemic are lower than last year,” she stated in a regular press conference on Jan. 3.

“What I can tell you is that the Chinese government places great importance on the health of the Chinese people and foreign citizens in China, and traveling to China is safe.”

Treatment for HMPV mainly focuses on symptom management. Most patients can manage symptoms at home until they recover, while severe cases may require hospitalization.

The increasing cases of HMPV, a respiratory virus with symptoms similar to COVID-19, are causing concern among the Chinese population. The transparency and accuracy of the CCP’s public health information following major coverups in the COVID-19 pandemic are being questioned. Reports of overcrowded hospitals on Chinese social media have further raised alarm.

Neighbors Keep Watch

Reports of overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums in China have put authorities in neighboring countries on alert for potential public concerns.

The Macau Health Bureau mentioned on Dec. 26, 2024, that they are closely monitoring the spread of HMPV in mainland China and have advised local residents to enhance preventive measures.

In Taiwan, Tseng Shu-Hui, deputy director-general of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC), revealed on Dec. 25, 2024, that related cases of HMPV have been detected on the island. Taiwan’s CDC will continue monitoring and provide updates if any abnormalities are observed.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health issued a brief report on reported HMPV cases in China on Jan. 5. The ministry contacted the WHO’s office in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the representative office of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention under the International Health Regulations. As of now, the WHO has not received official information from China regarding its HMPV caseload.

Malaysia reported 327 known HMPV cases in 2024 and urged the public to remain vigilant.

“The public should take proactive steps to safeguard their health and prevent infections, especially in enclosed and crowded areas, including those planning to travel to at-risk countries,” the Malaysian health ministry advised, as reported by The Straits Times.

Datuk Amar Sim Kui Hian, the minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government in Sarawak, Malaysia, emphasized that while HMPV has not been classified as an international public health emergency by the WHO, caution should still be exercised.

The experience with COVID-19 has taught us how to deal with viruses, he mentioned in an interview with local media on Jan. 5.

“Frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and maintaining good personal hygiene are crucial in preventing virus spread,” he added.

India conducted a joint monitoring group meeting in response to the rising cases of respiratory illnesses in China. Indian authorities assured that the government is prepared to handle respiratory illnesses and has not observed any unusual surge in cases so far.

“Transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries are essential for preventing and preparing for future epidemics and pandemics.”