A mysterious viral outbreak in China has overwhelmed hospitals, sparking concern across the country.
Hospitals are reportedly overrun, with footage showing packed pediatric units and long lines of patients in face masks.
Some unverified reports claim that crematoriums and funeral homes are also struggling to manage the surge.
The viris behind the outbreak remain unconfirmed
The viral outbreak has triggered alarming scenes, resembling the early days of the Covid pandemic.
Social media footage has raised concerns about the scale of the crisis.
While local news suggests that a virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) may be to blame, officials have not yet confirmed the virus involved.
This outbreak follows a similar pattern to last year’s wave of mycoplasma pneumonia cases, which were associated with the “white lung” condition.
This condition, usually mild, affected children who had low immunity due to Covid lockdowns and school closures.
Official blame influenza for the latest surge
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suggested that the current surge is driven by influenza, not HMPV.
Around 30% of tests conducted during the outbreak came back positive for flu, and one in seven people hospitalized for respiratory illnesses also tested positive for the virus.
Despite this, both the Chinese government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have yet to publicly address the circulating social media footage.
Flu-loke illnesses are on the rise across China
Recent data from the Chinese CDC indicates an increase in flu-like illnesses across the country.
In northern provinces, 7.2% of outpatient visits were for flu-like symptoms, up 12% from the previous week. Southern provinces also saw a rise, with 5.7% of outpatient visits attributed to similar illnesses.
These figures are higher than usual but still below the levels seen in 2022 and 2023.
The rise in cases is concerning, as it signals an increasing strain on hospitals.
Addirtionally, reports from Hunan province and other areas suggest that hospitals are struggling to handle the influx of patients.
One eyewitness, Mr. Peng, a local farmer, described a high number of sick individuals and an increase in deaths, particularly among older adults.
He reported that several people had died that week alone.
Funeral homes and crematoriums are also overwhelmed.
Ms. Wang, a funeral director, reported long lines at her crematorium, with multiple furnaces in use at once.
A broader surge in respiratory illnesses
Other eyewitness accounts from individuals like the Chinese video blogger “Please Fei Ge” suggest a rise in illness after traveling to Guangzhou.
Both he and his wife experienced symptoms similar to Covid-19, including fever, body aches, and headaches.
They isolated themselves for three days to prevent spreading the illness to their children.
In previous years, there was a similar surge in pneumonia cases among children after lockdowns ended, with crowded hospitals seen in Beijing.
Chinese officials at the time dismissed claims of a new virus, attributing the surge to a rebound in illnesses after restrictions were lifted.