China rejects claim of flu-like virus spreading

Officials in China have hit out after unverified videos claimed to show hospitals being overrun by patients with flu-like symptoms.

Claims of a “mystery” virus surging in China have been dismissed by officials — who have been forced to respond amid wild speculation on social media.

The suggestions have been shared in unverified videos appearing to show long lines of patients in hospitals and packed waiting rooms.

There have been reports that the country is facing an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that typically causes a mild infection similar to a common cold.

Symptoms include cough, fever, runny or blocked nose, headache and tiredness, though it is possible for complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia to occur, particularly in young children.

These are some of the images that are appearing online. Picture: X

Social media users have claimed hospitals are being overrun, but this is not verified. Picture: X

Recent data for acute respiratory diseases from China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has showed an upward trend in infections.

It also showed an increase in HMPV among people under the age of 14, particularly in the northern provinces.

However, there has been nothing from Chinese officials or the World Health Organisation to suggest an outbreak of overwhelming magnitude.

When asked about the videos and claims circulating on social media, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said it was common for respiratory infections to peak during the winter season.

“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared with the previous year,” she said.

“I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China”

The Human Metapneumovirus typically causes a mild infection similar to a common cold. Picture: iStock

This statement came after Dr Atul Goel, India’s Director General of Health Services (DGHS), addressed the HMPV outbreak concerns by claiming there have been “no substantial increase in the December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions”.

“There is nothing to be alarmed about in the present situation,” he said.

China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently revealed it was conducting a pilot program to actively monitor cases of pneumonia of unknown causes.

The move aims to establish a dedicated system to help authorities set up protocols to handle unknown pathogens, particularly with experts expecting respiratory diseases to rise through the winter.

Originally published as China rejects claim of flu-like virus spreading