Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China are lower than last year, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has circulated in humans for at least 60 years, is not a new virus, and calling this common virus "unknown" is inconsistent with basic science and essentially fear-mongering.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press conference on Friday in response to a question about attention on the increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.

"We've recently answered several relevant questions. Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere and influenza viruses are common pathogens. The overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China are lower than last year," Guo said.

Regarding the HMPV, the spokesperson said that as we have learned from the competent authorities, it is not a new virus. HMPV has circulated in humans for at least 60 years and is a common virus that causes upper respiratory infections, and HMPV infections are self-limited. Calling this common virus "unknown" is inconsistent with basic science and essentially fear-mongering, Guo said.

The Chinese government takes seriously the health of its own people and foreign nationals living in China. China's competent authorities and technical agencies took proactive steps to carry out sentinel surveillance for various acute respiratory infectious diseases and released surveillance results. Chinese disease control experts have told the public on multiple occasions how to take science-based protective steps. Also, China and WHO stay in close and regular touch and share timely information on respiratory diseases, the spokesperson said.

"We will continue to do what's necessary and do our best to make sure it is comfortable, safe and convenient for domestic and foreign travelers in China. It is also important for everyone to make a common effort for personal and family health," Guo noted.

As respiratory diseases enter a peak period in winter, multiple foreign media outlets have been exaggerating reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China, claiming that it has overwhelmed local hospitals. Commenting on the matter, the WHO told the Global Times in a previous exclusive interview that HMPV is not a new virus, but a common one which usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. 

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, the WHO said.

Global Times