A mysterious viral outbreak is overwhelming hospitals in China, prompting a resurgence in face mask use.
Social media videos reveal overcrowded hospital units, long lines of parents with sick children, and masked patients in packed facilities.
Unverified reports claim crematoriums and funeral homes are overwhelmed, sparking concerns reminiscent of the early COVID-19 outbreak in China.
According to the Daily Mail on Friday, local outlets have linked the outbreak to human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, though Chinese health officials have not confirmed this.
The situation resembles winter 2022/23 when “white lung” cases, linked to mycoplasma pneumonia, surged among children weakened by prolonged lockdowns. The Chinese CDC attributes the current outbreak largely to seasonal flu, with 30% of tests returning positive for influenza and one in seven severe respiratory cases linked to the virus.
In its latest report leading up to December 29, the CDC noted an uptick in flu-like illnesses, particularly in northern provinces where 7.2% of outpatient visits were flu-related—a 12% increase from the previous week. Southern provinces saw a 21% weekly increase, though levels remain below those of 2022 and 2023.
Videos from Hunan province and other regions, circulated around New Year’s Eve, show overcrowded hospitals. U.S.-based outlet Aboluowang News cited a Hunan farmer, Mr. Peng, who reported a spike in illnesses in his area.
‘A lot of people have caught colds, and most of them have [illness],’ he said in quotes translated to English.
‘About seven or eight people died this week in this area. Some were in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 40s.’
The outlet also quoted a funeral director, Ms. Wang, who described long lines at her crematorium:
“There are long lines for cremation now,’ she said in translated quotes. Today, three VIP furnaces were opened.
“They were all burning and emitting a lot of smoke. It was terrible. If you don’t know about the crematorium, you would think it is selling New Year goods, just like holding a trade fair during the Chinese New Year.’
A Chinese video blogger, known as “Please Fei Ge,” shared his personal experience of falling ill after returning to their home province, which was not named, He said he and his wife both had a fever, body aches and headaches — and isolated from their children for three days to avoid transmitting the infection.
He was quoted saying: ‘This feeling is exactly the same as when I got “yang” back then. It’s very uncomfortable. If you still remember that feeling, wear a mask when you go out in crowded places.’
Last year, a surge in mysterious pneumonia cases among children led to similar viral videos showing packed hospitals in Beijing. At the time, Chinese authorities attributed the outbreak to a resurgence of diseases following the lifting of pandemic restrictions.
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