Winter surge in respiratory illness in China within expected range, WHO says
Countries including India, U.K. have also reported seasonal rise in cases of human metapneumovirus
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the rising cases of common respiratory illnesses in China and across the Northern Hemisphere are within the expected range for winter, with no unusual outbreaks reported.
Recent reports of a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a common respiratory infection, in China have drawn significant attention, with some media comparing the situation to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the WHO clarified in a statement on Tuesday evening that it had been in contact with Chinese health officials, who assured that there were no unusual outbreak patterns. Additionally, Chinese authorities confirmed that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency responses had been activated.
The WHO noted that Chinese data up to December 29 revealed an increase in detections of hMPV, seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), particularly in northern China. Influenza is currently the most commonly reported illness, according to the WHO.
"The observed increases in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogen detections in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere in recent weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual," the WHO stated.
hMPV typically causes cold-like symptoms for a few days but can lead to hospitalization in rare cases, particularly among the very young, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. Unlike COVID-19, which was caused by a new virus, hMPV was first identified in 2001 and has likely been circulating for much longer, according to scientists.
Several other countries, including India and the United Kingdom, have also reported an increase in cases of hMPV this winter, along with other respiratory infections, in line with typical seasonal trends that can put a strain on hospitals.
Paul Hunter, a medicine professor at the University of East Anglia in the UK, explained that "almost every child will have at least one infection with hMPV by their fifth birthday." He also noted that improved diagnostic capabilities in many countries might contribute to the increasing reported cases.
"Overall, I don't think there is currently any sign of a more serious global issue," Hunter concluded.
