A surge of respiratory illnesses is overwhelming hospitals across China, echoing scenes from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Videos circulating on social media depict crowded hospital waiting rooms, with many children suffering from coughs and parents donning face masks.
Unverified reports also indicate increased activity at crematoriums and funeral homes.While the exact cause of the outbreak remains unclear, several possibilities are being investigated. Local news outlets suggest human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus typically causing mild cold-like symptoms, might be responsible. This situation draws comparisons to the 2022 surge in mycoplasma pneumonia cases, also known as “white lung,” which particularly affected children with weakened immune systems.However, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points to influenza as the primary culprit, with 30% of tests returning positive and one in seven infected individuals requiring hospitalization for severe respiratory illness. Reports indicate a significant rise in flu-like illnesses, with outpatient visits for such ailments increasing by 12% in northern provinces compared to the previous week, exceeding levels seen in the same period during every flu season since 2021. Southern provinces also report a 5.7% rate of outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses.Anecdotal accounts from residents paint a concerning picture. A farmer from Hunan province reported numerous cases of colds and flu in his area, leading to several deaths across different age groups. A funeral director also described long queues at her crematorium, with additional furnaces being used to cope with the increased demand.Despite the widespread concern and online circulation of videos, neither the Chinese government nor the World Health Organization has issued a public statement addressing the situation. The Chinese CDC acknowledges the rise in multiple flu-like illnesses and continues to monitor the outbreak.