China is facing a health problem with a virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreading quickly across the country. According to reports and posts on social media, hospitals are very crowded, crematories are busy, and several viruses, like influenza A, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, are spreading at the same time. Videos shared online show packed hospitals, especially ones for children, handling a high number of pneumonia cases and a condition called "white lung."

A social media post by the X handle 'SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)' claimed, “China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums." These infections have placed a heavy strain on China’s healthcare system during the winter season.

No emergency declared; health officials monitor closely

Some people on social media are saying that China has declared a state of emergency, but no official announcement has been made. To deal with the situation, China's health authorities have started a new system to keep track of pneumonia cases that don’t have a clear cause. The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration said they are setting up a process for labs to report these diseases. Health agencies will then check and manage the cases more effectively.

Data from December 16 to 22 showed an increase in acute respiratory infections. Respiratory diseases are expected to rise further during the winter and spring months, according to Kan Biao, an official from China’s health administration. He added that the overall number of cases this year would likely be smaller than in 2022.

Among these illnesses, human metapneumovirus has gained attention, particularly in children under 14, with northern provinces seeing higher infection rates. Health officials say the virus causes flu-like symptoms and may resemble Covid-19.

Expert advice and preventive measures

In an interview with the National Business Daily, a respiratory expert in Shanghai warned against using antiviral drugs without guidance to treat human metapneumovirus. The expert stressed that there is no vaccine for HMPV, but symptoms typically resemble those of a common cold.

The government’s updated disease-tracking measures aim to avoid the mistakes of early 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic began. The steps include new procedures for identifying and responding to emerging pathogens to ensure better preparedness.