China On hMPV: While not paying much attention to the news of large-scale flu outbreak in the country, China said on Friday (January 03, 2025) that the cases of respiratory diseases occurring during winter are less serious this year compared to last year. . The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that it is safe for foreigners to travel to China.
“Respiratory infections peak during the winter season,” ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in response to a question about the spread of ‘influenza A’ and other respiratory diseases in the country, which was circulated on social media. In the video, a huge crowd of patients is seen in Chinese hospitals. “Compared with last year, these diseases appear to be less serious and are spreading on a smaller scale,” Ning said.
‘Concerned about the health of foreigners, China is completely safe’
She said, “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners. It is safe to travel in China.” Ning also mentioned the guidelines issued by China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration regarding the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in winter. For the past few days, there have been reports of large-scale flu outbreaks in China abroad, especially in India and Indonesia, but health officials have stressed that such outbreaks are common in China during the cold season. People in China have been facing severe cold for the last few months.
India is keeping a close watch
Meanwhile, the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) in India said it is actively monitoring cases of respiratory diseases and seasonal influenza across the country, as well as reports of an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. The latter has also remained in touch with international health organizations.
Also read: ‘India is fully prepared’, government speaks on the havoc of increasing hMPV in China, guidelines issued
