Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, China faces a spate of respiratory illnesses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), influenza A, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Reports and social media posts indicate that the cases are growing at a breakneck speed, with some saying that hospitals and crematoriums are already overwhelmed.
Children’s hospitals are said to be under tremendous pressure as cases of pneumonia have been increasing. Though there is no official declaration of a state of emergency, the situation has alarmed people.
China’s disease control authority has recognized the surge in respiratory infections and introduced a new monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin. This move is expected to help better prepare for future outbreaks.
The HMPV virus presents a characteristically flu-like presentation, and its significant increase has been identified more predominantly among children within the northern provinces. Doctors remind people about judicious treatment while preventing widespread prescriptions for antivirals.
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