A new, highly contagious Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus is spreading in China, which borders Myanmar, India-based NDTV World reported on January 2, 2025. The spread is so fast that hospitals and crematoriums are full of people, according to social media. Video footage circulating online shows hospitals crowded with people infected with the virus.
Cases of pneumonia and other lung diseases are also increasing in children’s hospitals, NDTV World reported. The HMPV virus has symptoms similar to those of the flu and COVID-19. Health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the virus, the report said. China has declared a state of emergency, but this has not yet been confirmed.
China’s disease control and prevention agency will release laboratory reports and introduce new disease control and prevention procedures, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing an administration official at a press conference. The virus infection rate hit a 22-day high on December 16, 2024, authorities said in a statement on January 2, 2025.
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