Rising respiratory infections in China within expected winter range — WHO

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that the rising circulation of respiratory viruses, particularly human metapneumovirus, in China aligns with typical winter patterns, with no emergency declarations amid growing attention to the matter.

The UN body said that the common respiratory virus called human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, has been spreading in some countries in Asia, including China, India, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.

The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) reported an uptick in common respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hMPV, and SARS-CoV-2, in its latest data covering up to Dec. 29.

WHO spokesperson, Dr. Margaret Harris, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Geneva, observed that the rising respiratory infections in China are within the expected winter range, adding that authorities report that hospital utilization is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered.

“Among the pathogens reported by China CDC, seasonal influenza is by far the most common and is increasing,” she added.

Harris stated that the test positivity rate for influenza exceeded 30% among individuals presenting with flu-like symptoms at sentinel sites in late December.

She said: “China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range for the winter season. Authorities report that hospital utilization is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered. Similar trends in rising influenza cases have been observed across the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, as part of the WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.”

Harris noted that human metapneumovirus, which has attracted significant media attention, is not a new virus.

China’s Foreign Ministry, separately, said in Beijing that it “has and will continue to release information about infectious diseases in a timely and transparent way in accordance with the law.”

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has directed hospitals across the country to strengthen Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices and to set aside an appropriate isolation room where cases can be quickly isolated while receiving care.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, and the symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing.