China Battles Surge In Respiratory Illness Amidst Fears Of New Outbreak (Photos)

A mysterious viral outbreak is overwhelming some hospitals in China and prompting people to wear face masks again.

Videos circulating on social media show overcrowded hospital units, parents waiting in long lines with sick children, and patients wearing face masks in packed facilities.

Unverified reports have also emerged claiming crematoriums and funeral homes are overwhelmed, prompting concerns and comparisons to the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in China.

According to Dailymail on Friday, Local news outlets have attributed the outbreak to human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. However, Chinese health officials have not confirmed this as the cause.

The outbreak bears similarities to winter 2022/23 when mycoplasma pneumonia cases—referred to as “white lung”—spiked among children with weakened immunity due to prolonged lockdowns and school closures during the pandemic.