Viral videos of overcrowded hospitals from China spark speculation about HMPV outbreak | Trending

Videos that have surfaced on social media appear to show hospitals in China overwhelmed by the outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Posts on social media suggest that multiple virus outbreaks in China have left hospitals and cemeteries overcrowded. Along with HMPV, these include influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Covid-19.

The looming threat of another pandemic, five years after Covid-19 brought life to a standstill, has created panic online. However, it is important to note that no credible report has confirmed these posts.

Chinese health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not confirmed the existence of a new pandemic or issued any warnings to people to exercise caution. Contrary to speculation, the WHO has not declared an emergency.

Viral Videos:

An undated video appears to show the waiting room of a hospital filled with patients. Many people were seen wearing masks in the video, others were seen coughing. The video was shared on X with a caption suggesting it was shot in China.

Another post going viral on X with 12 million views shows a row of elderly people in a hospital corridor. “Hospitals in China are overwhelmed as outbreaks of ‘influenza A’ and ‘human metapneumovirus’ resemble the COVID-19 surge from three years ago,” the post reads.

What is human metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. Young children, elderly people, and those who are immunocompromised are at a higher risk.

This respiratory virus can cause symptoms similar to those of the common cold – such as cough, fever and nasal congestion – as well as more serious respiratory problems such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Like Covid-19, HMPV is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.