HMPV virus – latest: Doctors say it is vital China shares infection data as India ramps up monitoring

A disease expert has urged China to share infection data amid an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) which has spread across four countries.

Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, infectious disease expert associate professor of medicine at The Australian National University, said it was “vital” for China to share information in a “timely manner”.

The virus, that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China emerged on social media platforms and local reports compared the scenes to the initial outbreak of Covid.

India has also ramped up monitoring for cases of HMPV after it spread to the country, as well as to Malaysia and Kazakhstan.

India’s health minister JP Nadda said HMPV’s “occurrence in India is not new” and there was “no reason to worry” despite increased testing.

Key Points

• Doctors say it is vital for China to share infection data

• India ramps up monitoring as cases rise

• Everything we know about HMPV cases in the UK

• What is HMPV and what are the symptoms?

• Expert says ‘situation is very different to Covid-19 pandemic’

Expert says ‘situation is very different to Covid-19 pandemic’

09:15 , Jabed Ahmed

Jill Carr, a virologist in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, Australia, said the situation is “very different to the Covid-19 pandemic”.

She told Politico: “The virus [Covid-19] was completely new in humans and arose from a spill-over from animals and spread to pandemic levels because there was no prior exposures or protective immunity in the community.”

Doctor says it is vital for China to share infection data

09:13 , Alexander Butler

A disease expert has urged China to share infection data amid an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) which has spread across four countries.

Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, infectious disease expert associate professor of medicine at The Australian National University, said it was “vital” for China to share information in a “timely manner”.

“Also, we will need genomic data confirming that HMPV is the culprit, and that there aren’t any significant mutations of concern. Such genomic data will also guide vaccine development,” he told MailOnline.

Can HMPV virus spread to other countries?

08:55 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are keeping a close watch on the situation. Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarity to Covid-19 and influenza.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control has said the virus’s higher risks for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

In neighbouring India, officials said there is no need for panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus”.

“There has been news doing the rounds about a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms,” Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goel said.

Reassuring citizens and tourists, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China”, adding that “it is safe to travel in China”.

Read more by Stuti Mishra here:

What is HMPV? China steps up monitoring amid new virus outbreak

Chinese government pushes back on claims of HMPV outbreak

08:35 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The Chinese government has pushed back on claims that HMPV cases were skyrocketing in the nation.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season,” the Chinese foreign ministry said. “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”

A report in state-run Global Times quoted Li Tongzeng, an expert on respiratory and infectious diseases at Beijing You’an Hospital as saying that HMPV is “not a new virus” and that it has been detected in children in cities such as Beijing, Southwest China’s Chongqing, and South China’s Guangdong province.

The Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention in East China’s Jiangsu Province advised residents to remain vigilant against potential infections in June last year, the outlet reported.

It also noted that “HMPV is currently prevalent in the US”, spreads through respiratory droplets and has an incubation period of three to five days.

What is HMPV? China steps up monitoring amid new virus outbreak

08:15 , Maroosha Muzaffar

China is experiencing a surge in infections of a respiratory virus, leading to reports of overcrowded hospitals, new monitoring measures and public concerns about an outbreak.

The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

The outbreak comes five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which later turned into a global pandemic with seven million deaths reported.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China emerged on social media platforms and local reports compared the scenes to the initial outbreak of Covid.

Health authorities are implementing new measures to monitor and manage the spread of pneumonia cases of unknown origin. Nonetheless, Beijing has downplayed the developments as an annual winter occurrence.

Read more here:

What is HMPV? China steps up monitoring amid new virus outbreak

How to prevent HMPV transmission

07:46 , Maroosha Muzaffar

HMPV (human metapneumovirus) spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces, experts say.

Unlike viruses like flu, RSV, and Covid-19, there is no vaccine for HMPV, Dr Carla Garcia Carreno, director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Medical Center in Plano, Texas says. “We don’t have that advantage of priming or boosting our immune system to fight these viruses. But still, everything else that we learned for Covid can apply to metapneumovirus.”

She told CBS News: “If somebody’s sick, try to avoid crowding so they don’t expose everybody, especially the vulnerable people. If that person is sick and can not avoid going to a place where other people are, then try to use a mask, use cough and sneezing etiquette and good hand washing.”

Expert says no sign of serious global issue with HMPV infections

07:24 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Prof Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, has offered reassurances that there are no signs of a more serious global issue with HMPV, despite a recent increase in diagnoses in England.

He told the Science Media Centre: “In England we have seen a fairly marked increase in recent weeks – so far the peak per cent positivity is a little over what it was this time last year so no major difference to usual, unless infections positivity rates continue to increase in coming weeks.

“So overall, I don’t think there [are] currently any signs of a more serious global issue.”

He added: “HMPV is a quite common respiratory infection that peaks in winter. Almost every child will have at least one infection with HMPV by their fifth birthday and we can expect to go on to to have multiple reinfections throughout life.”

HMPV mainly affects babies and elderly, says Oxford expert

06:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, an expert on infections and immunity at the University of Oxford, says that HMPV mostly affects babies and the elderly. “In most other age groups it simply causes the symptoms of a cold,” he tells the Science Media Centre.

“Human metapneumovirus virus is a common respiratory virus which was first identified almost a quarter of a century ago by Dutch scientists,” Sir Andrew says.

“It is one of the many viruses which circulate in the winter and add to the winter pressures on the NHS.

“The reports of respiratory infections in China in the past few days appear to be attributed to both influenza and this human metapneumovirus, which is rather similar to the situation in the UK this week. A vaccine for a similar virus, RSV, was launched by the NHS in 2024 and new vaccines are being developed which could protect against both RSV and human metapneumovirus in one jab.”

Seven cases of HMPV infections in India after two more cases detected in Nagpur

06:03 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Two children, aged seven and 14, have tested positive for HMPV in Nagpur in Maharashtra, bringing the total number of reported cases of the respiratory illness this season to seven.

On 3 January, the children were taken to a private hospital in the Ramdaspeth area of the city for treatment of fever and cough.

Following diagnostic tests, hospital authorities confirmed the presence of HMPV, a respiratory virus that affects both the upper and lower respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat.

Before this, two cases of HMPV were reported in Tamil Nadu, two in Karnataka and one in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

HMPV has been in circulation worldwide since it was first identified in 2001 and cases are not uncommon in India.

Everything we know about HMPV cases in the UK – and how to get a test

06:00 , Maroosha Muzaffar

A surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has prompted some alarm and led to fears of a possible worldwide outbreak.

With reports of overcrowding in Chinese hospitals, leaders in the country are attempting to control a new wave of the virus with a spike in cases in northern regions, particularly amongst children.

A surge in cases has also been reported in India, Malaysia and Kazakhstan.

HMPV is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms. Most cases are mild, but infection can increase health risks – particularly for the elderly, young children and people with a low immune system – and lead to severe complications such as pneumonia.

Read more here:

Everything we know about HMPV cases in the UK – and how to get a test

Chinese government pushes back on claims of HMPV outbreak

05:33 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The Chinese government has pushed back on claims that HMPV cases were skyrocketing in the nation.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season,” the Chinese foreign ministry said. “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”

A report in state-run Global Times quoted Li Tongzeng, an expert on respiratory and infectious diseases at Beijing You’an Hospital as saying that HMPV is “not a new virus” and that it has been detected in children in cities such as Beijing, Southwest China’s Chongqing, and South China’s Guangdong province.

The Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention in East China’s Jiangsu Province advised residents to remain vigilant against potential infections in June last year, the outlet reported.

It also noted that “HMPV is currently prevalent in the US”, spreads through respiratory droplets and has an incubation period of three to five days.

Is there treatment for HMPV?

05:04 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Currently, there are no antiviral medications specifically for HMPV. Treatment focuses on supportive care to manage moderate or severe symptoms, according to experts.

“If you’re wheezing, we’ll give bronchodilators,” Dr Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, told ABC News, referring to medications that relax and open airways while helping to clear mucus from the lungs.

“If you’re dehydrated, we provide fluids, and we work to reduce the fever.”

Dr Chin-Hong also noted that co-infections, such as bacterial infections, can occur in some cases, which may require antibiotics for treatment.

Chinese authorities monitoring HMPV outbreak

04:54 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Chinese health officials are monitoring an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that can cause both upper and lower respiratory diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), data from China indicates “a recent rise in acute respiratory infections”. However, the WHO clarified that “the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year are lower than last year”.

Chinese officials have generally played down the outbreak, though state media confirmed cases had been “detected in children in a number of Chinese cities such as Beijing, Southwest China’s Chongqing, and South China’s Guangdong Province”.

Authorities in Beijing have released new guidance for the public “on how to prevent the disease including frequently washing hands and increasing immunity”.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday that while the agency is “monitoring reports of increased disease” in China, these reports are “not currently a cause for concern in the US”.

Maharashtra health minister urges public not to panic

04:25 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Maharashtra health minister Prakash Abitkar has reassured the public not to panic over HMPV, as no cases have been reported in the state.

“We are aware that this virus has been around for a while. Surveillance is underway and we will follow the Centre’s guidelines.

Hence, let us stay positive and not panic,” Mr Abitkar told The Indian Express.

Experts have described the virus as mild and self-limiting, mostly causing cold-like symptoms.

High-risk groups include children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

Precautionary measures, such as good hygiene and covering the mouth while sneezing or coughing, have been advised.

Karnataka detects two cases of HMPV in infants

04:01 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance.

The cases, identified at Bengaluru Baptist Hospital, were part of ICMR’s nationwide monitoring of respiratory illnesses.

One of the cases involves a three-month-old female infant diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted with bronchopneumonia.

The infant has since been discharged.

The second case involves an eight-month-old male infant who tested positive on 3 January, also with a history of bronchopneumonia.

Delhi steps up preparations for spike in HMPV cases

03:40 , Maroosha Muzaffar

With HMPV infections reported across several Indian states, Delhi’s health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has directed the health department to ensure hospitals in the capital are prepared to handle any potential rise in respiratory illnesses.

He instructed the health secretary to inspect three hospitals daily and submit reports on essential drug availability, ICU beds, equipment condition, and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plants.

The health department was also ordered to maintain communication with the central government and provide timely updates.

Tamil Nadu in India reports two cases of HMPV

03:14 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Tamil Nadu in southern India has detected two cases of HMPV, the health authorities confirmed.

Both patients, one each from Chennai and Salem, are reported to be stable.

India has reported at least five cases of HMPV. The union health ministry said in a statement that “HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries”.

It noted that the two cases identified through surveillance in India had no history of international travel, indicating that these infections are unrelated to the reported surge in respiratory infections in China.

How was Human metapneumovirus discovered?

02:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Researchers in the Netherlands discovered the virus in 2001.

Scientists collected 28 samples from children in the Netherlands who had unexplained respiratory illnesses.

No recognised illnesses were detected in their blood, despite the fact that a number of them had severe illnessess and required mechanical breathing.

Before being viewed under an electron microscope, the samples were grown in several cell types from dogs, chickens, and monkeys.

They noticed something that seemed to be structurally similar to viruses in the paramyxoviridae family, which are responsible for respiratory diseases like respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, measles, and mumps.

A detailed examination of the virus’s genome revealed a close relative in the form of the bird-infecting avian metapneumovirus. The novel pathogen was given the name human metapneumovirus. It had probably evolved from birds to humans at some point, according to scientists.

Expert says ‘situation is very different to Covid-19 pandemic’

01:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Jill Carr, a virologist in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, Australia, said the situation is “very different to the Covid-19 pandemic”.

She told Politico: “The virus [Covid-19] was completely new in humans and arose from a spill-over from animals and spread to pandemic levels because there was no prior exposures or protective immunity in the community.”

HMPV prevalence in the UK in the past year

Monday 6 January 2025 23:59 , Jabed Ahmed

How worried should you be about HMPV spreading to Europe?

Monday 6 January 2025 23:14 , Jabed Ahmed

Experts have reassured that a rise in cases is normal during the winter months, when rates of a number of respiratory diseases, including the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tend to rise.

“China is experiencing a large outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases at the moment. Although this is a priority for China’s health system, it should not lead to immediate concerns about a new pandemic,” Sanjaya Senanayake, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Australian National University told Politico.

“At this stage, the likelihood is that China is experiencing a bad HMPV season, in the same way that in some years we have an overwhelming flu season.” he added.

The UK Health Security Agency added its surveillance indicates that HMPV levels are consistent with what we typically see during winter.

Can HMPV virus spread to other countries?

Monday 6 January 2025 22:31 , Jabed Ahmed

Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are keeping a close watch on the situation. Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarity to Covid-19 and influenza.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control has said the virus’s higher risks for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

In neighbouring India, officials said there is no need for panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus”.

“There has been news doing the rounds about a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms,” Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goel said.

Reassuring citizens and tourists, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China”, adding that “it is safe to travel in China”.

What is HMPV?

Monday 6 January 2025 21:41 , Jabed Ahmed

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza. While the illness is typically mild, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The virus is not new but has gained attention amid a surge in cases, particularly in children under 14 in northern China.

First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Cases have been previously identified in various countries, including the United Kingdom.

Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days. Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV; treatment primarily involves managing symptoms.

How HMPV is treated

Monday 6 January 2025 21:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Like most common respiratory illnesses, HMPV usually clears up on its own.

Treatment of symptoms is usually in the form of medications to control pain and fever, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol

Patients with more severe wheezing and coughing may require a temporary inhaler, according to the American Lung Association.

Monday 6 January 2025 20:01 , Jabed Ahmed

Three cases of HMPV have been detected in India on Monday, according to local reports.

Two cases were reported in Karnataka and one in Gujarat.

India’s Union Health Minister JP Nadda said that health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus.

He said: “It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years.

“On recent reports, the cases of HMPV in China, the Health Ministry, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries.

“WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share its report shortly with us.”

How to get a test for HMPV

Monday 6 January 2025 19:31 , Jabed Ahmed

In most cases, HMPV symptoms are mild and will fade in a week. Those who are otherwise healthy and only experiencing mild conditions are unlikely to need to visit a GP.

However, people who are in higher risk categories may wish to visit their GP to be safe. A trip may also be advisable for those experiencing severe and persistent HMPV-like symptoms. They will be able to diagnose you and provide a test if necessary.

Everything we know about HMPV cases in the UK – and how to get a test

Monday 6 January 2025 19:01 , Jabed Ahmed

My colleague Albert Toth reports:

Everything we know about HMPV cases in the UK – and how to get a test

What Causes HMPV?

Monday 6 January 2025 18:31 , Jabed Ahmed

HMPV is commonly spread from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected, according to the American Lung Association

Coughing and sneezing or touching objects such as toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them can spread the illness.

It is more likely to circulate during the winter and spring months when other similar infections, such as RSV and the flu, are prevalent.

How was Human metapneumovirus discovered?

Monday 6 January 2025 18:01 , Jabed Ahmed

Researchers in the Netherlands discovered the virus in 2001.

Scientists collected 28 samples from children in the Netherlands who had unexplained respiratory illnesses.

No recognised illnesses were detected in their blood, despite the fact that a number of them had severe illnessess and required mechanical breathing.

Before being viewed under an electron microscope, the samples were grown in several cell types from dogs, chickens, and monkeys.

They noticed something that seemed to be structurally similar to viruses in the paramyxoviridae family, which are responsible for respiratory diseases like respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, measles, and mumps.

A detailed examination of the virus’s genome revealed a close relative in the form of the bird-infecting avian metapneumovirus. The novel pathogen was given the name human metapneumovirus. It had probably evolved from birds to humans at some point, according to scientists.

Pictured: Cases of HMPV rise in India

Monday 6 January 2025 17:29 , Jabed Ahmed

Rising cases of HMPV in China

Monday 6 January 2025 16:59 , Jabed Ahmed

The spike in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically fuel the spread of respiratory viruses. Health officials emphasize that this surge is consistent with seasonal trends.

China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently reported an increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV, during the winter. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not flagged the situation as a global health emergency, but the rise in cases has prompted authorities to bolster monitoring systems.

A pilot programme has been launched to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring labs and health agencies report and manage cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, quoting an administration official at a news conference.

Expert says ‘situation is very different to Covid-19 pandemic’

Monday 6 January 2025 16:31 , Jabed Ahmed

Jill Carr, a virologist in the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University, Australia, said the situation is “very different to the Covid-19 pandemic”.

She told Politico: “The virus [Covid-19] was completely new in humans and arose from a spill-over from animals and spread to pandemic levels because there was no prior exposures or protective immunity in the community.”

HMPV cases in the UK

Monday 6 January 2025 16:05 , Jabed Ahmed

The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) weekly National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report found that rates of HMPV have increased slightly to 4.5 per cent.

The highest positive rate was among those five-years-old and younger at 10 per cent.

UKHSA said data for this week’s report should be “interpreted with caution in the light of changes in patterns of healthcare use, social mixing and lagged reporting due to the Christmas holidays.”

The agency added that HMPV is a respiratory illness the UK sees every year, and cases usually rise in the winter.

How worried should you be about HMPV spreading to Europe?

Monday 6 January 2025 15:56 , Sam Rkaina

Experts have reassured that a rise in cases is normal during the winter months, when rates of a number of respiratory diseases, including the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tend to rise.

“China is experiencing a large outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases at the moment. Although this is a priority for China’s health system, it should not lead to immediate concerns about a new pandemic,” Sanjaya Senanayake, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Australian National University told Politico.

“At this stage, the likelihood is that China is experiencing a bad HMPV season, in the same way that in some years we have an overwhelming flu season.” he added.

The UK Health Security Agency added its surveillance indicates that HMPV levels are consistent with what we typically see during winter.

Can HMPV virus spread to other countries?

Monday 6 January 2025 15:00 , Jabed Ahmed

Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are keeping a close watch on the situation. Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarity to Covid-19 and influenza.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control has said the virus’s higher risks for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

In neighbouring India, officials said there is no need for panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus”.

“There has been news doing the rounds about a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that count. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus which causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms,” Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goel said.

Reassuring citizens and tourists, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China”, adding that “it is safe to travel in China”.

What is HMPV?

Monday 6 January 2025 14:30 , Sam Rkaina

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza. While the illness is typically mild, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The virus is not new but has gained attention amid a surge in cases, particularly in children under 14 in northern China.

First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Cases have been previously identified in various countries, including the United Kingdom.

Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days. Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV; treatment primarily involves managing symptoms.

Cases of HMPV rise across the world

Monday 6 January 2025 14:30 , Jabed Ahmed

China is experiencing a surge in infections of a respiratory virus, leading to public concerns about an outbreak.

The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.

Other countries, such as India, Malaysia and Kazakhstan have started reporting cases of the virus.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China emerged on social media platforms and local reports suggested hospitals were becoming crowded.

HMPV is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms. However, it can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season.

“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”