China is currently facing a new health phenomenon that has sparked widespread concern. Hospitals appear overwhelmed with patients experiencing respiratory issues, while unconfirmed reports suggest increased activity in crematoriums.
Videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on social media depict overcrowded hospital units filled with masked patients and long lines in pediatric departments.
Local media have attributed the outbreak to a less-known virus, the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which typically causes mild symptoms similar to the common cold. However, Chinese health authorities have yet to confirm this as the cause.
Official Reports
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially stated that the primary cause of the outbreak is influenza. According to their data, 30% of respiratory infection tests have been positive for the flu, and one in seven patients with severe symptoms has been hospitalized for the same reason.
International Concern Over Viral Videos
As reported by the Daily Mail, videos posted online around the New Year allegedly show hospitals in Hunan province and other regions at full capacity.
One eyewitness, a farmer from Hunan province, described the situation as critical, saying:
“Many people are sick, and this week around seven or eight people have died in our area.”
A crematorium manager, who wished to remain anonymous, reported a surge in cremation demand:
“There are long queues for cremation. Furnaces are working nonstop, and the situation is extremely difficult.”
Influenza Incidence Rates Rising
According to the latest CDC report:
- In northern provinces, 7.2% of outpatient visits as of December 29 were due to influenza, a 12% increase from the previous week.
- In southern provinces, the figure was 5.7%, representing a 21% increase.
While these levels are higher than in 2021, they remain lower compared to the same periods in 2022 and 2023. However, health authorities caution that the outbreak requires continuous monitoring.
Calls for Transparency
So far, neither the Chinese government nor the World Health Organization (WHO) has made an official statement on the situation. Despite this, the rising respiratory infection rates reported by Chinese data are fueling concerns about the potential for a larger crisis.
Experts are urging authorities to provide greater transparency and take timely measures to address the situation.
China, which faced heavy criticism for its handling of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, is once again under the scrutiny of the international community.
CREATED by:
“KORÇA BOOM”
