Patients caught in Chinese virus outbreak develop pneumonia ‘between three and five days later’
Concerns are growing about a “mystery” virus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which is reportedly linked to a wave of hospitalizations in China and is now spreading globally. Reports claim that middle-aged patients testing positive for the virus developed pneumonia within three to five days, according to unverified footage shared on Chinese social media app Weibo.
Some Weibo users referenced claims from the YouTube channel Decoding China, stating the current situation may be worse than in 2022, when a COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai prompted mass testing and lockdowns. Alarm was first raised in early January after videos emerged showing overcrowded hospitals, evoking comparisons to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The footage depicted patients in masks crowding emergency rooms, and long lines of parents with sick children in pediatric units.
What is hMPV?
hMPV, or human metapneumovirus, is a relatively common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a fever, cough, and nasal congestion. While the virus is not new—it was first identified in 2001—it has likely circulated for decades, causing seasonal illnesses. Those most vulnerable include the elderly, young children, and people with pre-existing conditions. A major complication of hMPV, as with other respiratory infections, is pneumonia, which can develop rapidly and be life-threatening.
Current Situation in China
Chinese authorities have attributed the recent surge in respiratory infections to hMPV, alongside typical seasonal illnesses like flu and COVID-19. Health officials reported that infections have already peaked in some northern provinces and are now declining. Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that the positive case rate for hMPV detection is fluctuating but declining in affected regions.
Rising Cases Globally
Concerns about hMPV are not limited to China. In the UK, recent surveillance data shows that approximately one in 20 non-flu respiratory infections are caused by hMPV, more than double the figure from early December. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in 50 Americans with a cough may have hMPV, marking a 25% increase in cases within a week. However, experts have emphasized that these numbers are typical for the winter season.
Expert Reassurances
Health officials, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have sought to calm public fears. They stated that respiratory infection rates in China remain within the normal range for winter and that no unusual outbreaks have been reported. Dr. Andrew Catchpole, a virus expert, explained that while hMPV rates may be higher in China this year, this is likely due to its overlap with flu and COVID-19 rather than the virus having pandemic potential.
Outlook
Although some of the footage and claims remain unverified, global health authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Experts continue to stress that for most people, hMPV causes only mild illness and that current infection trends align with seasonal expectations. Further updates from health officials may help to address growing concerns and clarify the extent of the virus’s impact globally.
