WHO says rising respiratory infections in China within expected winter range

GENEVA - The World Health Organisation (WHO) clarified on Tuesday that the rising circulation of respiratory viruses, particularly human metapneumovirus (hMPV), in China aligns with typical winter patterns, with no emergency declarations amid growing attention to the matter, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) reported an uptick in common respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hMPV, and SARS-CoV-2, in its latest data covering up to Dec 29.

"Among the pathogens reported by China CDC, seasonal influenza is by far the most common and is increasing," spokesperson Margaret Harris told a press briefing in Geneva.

Harris added that the test positivity rate for influenza exceeded 30 per cent among individuals presenting with flu-like symptoms at sentinel sites in late December.

However, she said: "China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range for the winter season. Authorities report that hospital utilization is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered."

She said similar trends in rising influenza cases have been observed across the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, as part of the WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

She also mentioned that human metapneumovirus, which has attracted significant media attention, is not a new virus.

Discovered in 2001, it typically causes mild respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold but can lead to more severe illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, the spokesperson said, explaining that the youngest and the oldest are most at risk, along with those who are immunocompromised, that is, those who have weakened immune systems. - BERNAMA-AA