China has downplayed concerns over the rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), referring to it as an “annual seasonal recurrence.” While acknowledging the increase in cases, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson attributed it to the “winter season” and reassured both tourists and citizens that travel within the country remains safe.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of both Chinese citizens and foreigners visiting China,” said Mao Ning, the foreign ministry spokesperson.
Meanwhile, images and videos showing people wearing masks in Chinese hospitals have surfaced on social media, with local reports suggesting the HMPV outbreak has drawn comparisons to the early days of the Covid pandemic. HMPV, first discovered in 2001, has raised concerns due to its similarities to the Covid outbreak that later led to a global pandemic with over 7 million deaths.
Neighboring countries, including Hong Kong, have begun closely monitoring the situation, with a few reported cases of HMPV.
