Spectre of Covid raised as minister monitors spread of human metapneumovirus

The Albanese government has requested more information on a viral infection with flu-like symptoms in China, prompting comparisons with the outbreak of Covid-19 five years ago.

Health Minister Mark Butler. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler has revealed the government is closely monitoring a viral infection with flu-like symptoms in China, declaring the illness, which has sparked comparisons with the outbreak of Covid-19 five years ago, is “quite common” here in Australia.

State media in China reported the country is experiencing a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases that is particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly and the vulnerable. Common symptoms include coughing and fever, though severe cases can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.

Recent social media posts have depicted crowded hospital waiting rooms, where mask-wearing adults are bringing children for treatment. Meanwhile, unverified reports on Chinese-language websites based outside the country claim crematoriums and funeral homes are being overwhelmed, though no direct link to HMPV has been established.

Neighbouring countries said they were monitoring the spread of the respiratory virus, but played down initial causes for alarm.

Mr Butler said a surge in respiratory illnesses was common during the Chinese winter and it would have an impact on that country’s hospital systems.

“This type of respiratory illness is quite common here in Australia and it has been for a long time,” Mr Butler said.

“In 2024, as I understand it, about 8 or 9 per cent of recorded respiratory illnesses presenting to general practice was that type of illness. It ranked fifth in all of the usual respiratory illnesses that some people would be familiar with here in Australia.”

Mark Butler at the SCG on Sunday. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Mr Butler said there was no antiviral treatment or vaccine available specifically for that type of virus, although he understands there are some under development.

“We’re monitoring the situation in China (and) I’m asking to be kept up to date by my department. But this is something that we’re pretty familiar with,” he said.

Kan Biao, head of China’s National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, said in a statement on December 27 that the rate of HMPV among children 14 and under was increasing. But the announcement garnered little attention until social media reports of overwhelmed hospitals began circulating.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Friday: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China. It is safe to travel in China.”

Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said the emergence of another infectious virus in China illustrates the importance of having an Australian Centre for Disease Control.

“The precise role of the CDC is to have relationships in place with health authorities around the world so that the best available intelligence can be drawn upon to assess what, if any, action is necessary for Australia,” Mr Slevin told The Australian.

“Clearly, the pandemic we’ve all lived through in Covid-19 has meant that we all take these kind of infectious outbreaks more seriously than probably was the case in the past. So it is important that we monitor what goes on, and that’s reliant upon having the best available information.”

The Albanese government in October pledged $251.7m to deliver Australia’s CDC, but the Coalition has not yet flagged support for the initiative.

Mr Slevin said the CDC would strengthen relationships with authorities around the world, including in China.

“It would ensure that any action taken is informed with the most up-to-date and accurate information about the circumstances in China,” he said.

“One of the things that we don’t know the answer to is whether the Coalition is also going to be supportive of the establishment of a CDC, and that’s one of the things we need to know the answer to prior to the federal election.”

Additional reporting:
The Times