China’s foreign ministry said that although respiratory infections are common during the winter season, they seem to be less severe this year.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media on Friday in response to reports of a flu outbreak, stating that it is safe for foreigners to visit the country.
Videos of overloaded hospitals are making the rounds on social media. “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” she stated. She added that travelling to China is secure. “I can guarantee you that the health of Chinese nationals and visitors to China is a priority for the Chinese government. China is a safe place to visit,” she declared.
According to China’s health experts, the outbreak happens every year in the winter. Meanwhile, India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) stated that it is actively monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza infections in the country and is in contact with international institutions regarding reports of the Human Metapneumovirus.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and validate information and developments accordingly,” a senior official told PTI. Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), stated that the Human Metapneumovirus is similar to other respiratory viruses that cause the common cold.
“There is news doing the rounds about a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. However, we have analysed the data of the respiratory outbreaks in the country (India) and there is no substantial increase in the December 2024 data and no cases which have been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions. There is nothing to be alarmed about the present situation,” he stated.