WATCH | SA monitors respiratory virus outbreak in China amid public concerns

Cape Town – The South African government is closely monitoring a respiratory virus outbreak in China that has raised public concern.

Videos showing sick patients and overwhelmed hospitals have surfaced online, but neither Chinese nor World Health Organisation officials have confirmed the details.

The outbreak involves flu and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, which have surged in China recently, particularly affecting children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

⚠️ BREAKING:

China 🇨🇳 Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.

Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX

— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025

While HMPV has been around since 2001, it has become more prominent now.

There is no vaccine, but prevention includes frequent hand washing and mask-wearing.

Following an outbreak of the HMPV virus in China, experts are worried about the respiratory virus spreading throughout Asia. China’s health authority last week said the virus was spreading throughout the country’s north. SABC News correspondent Chris Gilbert has more from Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/vuqi11YCF6

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 1, 2025

According to Times Live, the South African Department of Health reassured the public that there is no need to panic and that routine surveillance will continue, with updates provided as necessary.

“ We’re closely monitoring the situation in China using our event-based surveillance and continually looking for updates on the situation.

“It is the normal respiratory season in China but with a later start than expected,” the report quoted department of health spokesperson Foster Mohale as saying.

Kaeni rada.

*LOCKDOWN LOOMING*

China is facing a new virus outbreak with the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreading rapidly, causing flu-like and COVID-19-like symptoms prompting people to wear face masks again. pic.twitter.com/IOGn0Qvw3A

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) January 4, 2025

He added: “We will continue our routine surveillance and public health communications, and act on any new information or alerts. There is no need for the public to panic and the department of health working with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases will keep the public up to date when there are new developments.”