China grapples with spike in respiratory illnesses amid fears of new outbreak

• Hospitals in China are overwhelmed by a rise in respiratory illnesses, causing concerns about a potential outbreak
• Social media videos show crowded hospital units and people wearing face masks, echoing early COVID-19 scenes
• Official data reveals that 30 per cent of recent tests are positive for influenza, with one in seven severe respiratory illness patients testing positive

China is grappling with a surge in respiratory illnesses that has led to overcrowded hospitals and renewed fears of a potential outbreak. 

Videos circulating on social media depict packed hospital units, long queues of parents with sick children, and patients wearing face masks, reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unverified reports claim crematoriums and funeral homes are overwhelmed, sparking further concerns. 

While local news outlets have attributed the outbreak to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)—a virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms—Chinese health authorities have not confirmed this as the cause.

This latest wave of illnesses draws comparisons to the winter of 2022/2023, when cases of mycoplasma pneumonia, or “white lung,” surged among children. Experts at the time linked the spike to weakened immunity following prolonged lockdowns and school closures.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the current outbreak is primarily driven by seasonal influenza. 

Official data shows that 30 per cent of recent tests have been positive for the flu, with one in seven patients hospitalised for severe respiratory illnesses also testing positive.

In its latest report covering the week up to December 29, the Chinese CDC highlighted a notable increase in flu-like illnesses nationwide. 

Northern provinces reported that 7.2 per cent of outpatient visits were due to flu-like symptoms, marking a 12 per cent increase from the previous week and the highest rate since 2021. 

Southern provinces saw a 21 per cent weekly increase, with flu-like symptoms accounting for 5.7 per cent of outpatient visits, although this remains lower than levels recorded in 2022 and 2023.

Social media videos from regions such as Hunan province show overwhelmed hospitals as people seek treatment. 

According to Aboluowang News, a U.S.-based outlet reporting on China, a local farmer from Hunan, identified as Mr Peng, described widespread illness in his area:

“Many people have caught colds, and most are seriously ill,” he said.

A funeral director, Ms Wang, also reported a surge in cremations:

“There are long lines for cremation now,” she said, adding that three VIP furnaces were operating at full capacity. “The smoke was heavy and constant. If you didn’t know better, you’d think it was a trade fair for Chinese New Year goods.”

A Chinese video blogger, Please Fei Ge, shared his experience of falling ill after travelling to his home province. He and his wife suffered from fever, body aches, and headaches, prompting them to self-isolate from their children for three days.

“This feels exactly like when I had COVID before. It’s very uncomfortable. If you remember that feeling, please wear a mask in crowded places,” he urged in his video.

This is not the first time China has seen a mysterious rise in respiratory illnesses post-pandemic. Last year, a wave of pneumonia cases among children led to similar viral videos of crowded hospitals. 

Authorities at the time attributed the surge to the return of seasonal illnesses following the end of strict pandemic measures.

While Chinese health officials continue to investigate the current outbreak, the country remains on high alert as the rise in respiratory illnesses places significant strain on its healthcare system.

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