New respiratory virus in China triggers global fears of COVID-19-like lockdown

SAHARA REPORTERS

There is apprehension in the medical world globally after videos posted online reportedly showed congested hospitals and overburdened healthcare system in China.
According to reports, China is dealing with another epidemic five years after the outbreak of deadly Covid-19 pandemic, which triggered prolonged lockdowns and saw millions of deaths. 

It is reported that China is currently facing an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

This is even worsened by the fact that health experts have raised concerns over HMPV, a respiratory virus which is present in other parts of the region afflicting a number of Asian countries.

It was reported by Reuters that recent cases detected include pathogens such as rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with cases among humans said to be showing an upward trend especially in Northern provinces of the country.

Younger children and older adults and those with weaker immune system are at the risk of the virus.

Amid the apprehension, the Chinese government and the World Health Organisation (WHO), have yet to declare an emergency stating that the surge in the cases were been monitored.

This is even as the incidences coincides with winter season that usually sees spikes in respiratory diseases.

THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS