Health
WHO addresses respiratory virus surge in China, assures no emergency declared
In a press briefing held on Tuesday in Geneva, Dr. Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), provided reassurance regarding the recent surge in respiratory viruses in China, emphasizing that it is a typical occurrence for the winter season.
She stressed that no emergency declarations or special responses have been initiated in response to the rising cases.
Dr. Harris addressed the growing concerns over respiratory viruses circulating in China, particularly focusing on the human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which has garnered significant media attention.
She confirmed that reports of uptick in common respiratory infections in the country are accurate but noted that these seasonal surges are expected during colder months.
“This rise in common respiratory infections is entirely expected during the winter,” Dr. Harris stated, referring to data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which indicated a rise in cases of seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hMPV, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
Dr. Harris further highlighted that seasonal influenza is the most commonly detected virus, with over 30% test positivity in flu-like cases reported in late December.
Despite the increased numbers, the WHO clarified that China’s current levels of respiratory infections are within the typical winter range, and hospital utilization remains lower than the same period last year.
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“There have been no emergency declarations or emergency responses triggered,” Dr. Harris assured. She also addressed misconceptions surrounding hMPV, clarifying that it is not a new virus, having first been identified in 2001. She explained that hMPV typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold and, although it can lead to more serious illness in individuals with compromised immune systems, it has a very low mortality rate.
“It is not a pathogen that normally leads to deaths in humans, except in the most vulnerable populations,” Dr. Harris emphasized, noting that newborns and the elderly are particularly susceptible.
Dr. Harris took the opportunity to urge the public to continue practicing preventive health measures, stressing that the global experience with COVID-19 has equipped people with effective tools to reduce the risk of viral infections.
Simple precautions such as hand hygiene, mask-wearing, improving ventilation, and avoiding crowded places can help curb the spread of respiratory viruses.
In addition to China, hMPV is also reported as a significant contributor to respiratory infections across North America, Europe, and Asia.
In the United States, for example, hMPV sees a marked increase during the colder months, contributing to a significant portion of hospitalizations related to respiratory illnesses in young children.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has also reported a rise in hMPV cases in Europe, particularly in pediatric hospital admissions.
While there is no indication of an impending health crisis, WHO officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely, with an emphasis on public health preparedness and prevention