New Virus Hits China; Over 5,000 Hospitalized in the UK

• Hospitals in China face overcrowding due to a surge in respiratory illnesses linked to human metapneumovirus (HMPV), raising public concern
• The outbreak follows a warning from health authorities about rising flu-like illnesses, with reports of overwhelmed medical facilities and long patient lines

Hospitals in China are struggling to cope with a mysterious virus outbreak reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded medical facilities, with patients in masks and long lines of parents waiting at pediatric wards holding their sick children.

Although no official statement has been made, reports suggest the outbreak may be linked to human metapneumovirus (HMPV). This lesser-known virus typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but has led to heightened concerns.

The outbreak comes shortly after the Chinese Centre for Disease Control warned of rising cases of flu-like illnesses. In late December, a report noted that 7.2% of outpatient visits in northern provinces were related to such illnesses.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is also experiencing a significant flu outbreak, which hospitalized over 5,000 patients by the end of December.

The National Health Service (NHS) reported an average of 4,469 daily flu-related hospitalizations in the week leading up to December 29, a 3.5-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.

On Christmas Day, 4,102 flu patients were hospitalized, rising to 5,074 by December 29—a sharp jump from the 1,190 hospitalizations recorded on November 29.

Adding to the pressure, hospitals are managing high numbers of norovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases. Critical care units saw an average of 211 flu patients daily, with RSV and norovirus cases significantly higher than last year.

In response, hospitals discharged a record 15,094 patients on Christmas Eve, a 40% increase compared to the previous week.

Julian Redhead, the National Clinical Director for urgent and emergency care, noted that the NHS continues to face immense pressure from flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other illnesses.