ALBAWABA - People in China fear a new forced nationwide lockdown, following the spread of a new COVID-19-like virus with similar symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 760 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported since the start of the outbreak. In addition to 6.9 million deaths.
Reuters reported that in 2023, WHO announced the end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency. COVID-19 spread has forced governments worldwide to enforce lockdowns in an attempt to encounter the deadly virus.
Around two years after the WHO announcement of COVID-19's end, a new virus called human metapneumovirus "HMPV" is being widely detected and causing panic among civilians over its rapid spread.
However, China has not labelled it yet an outbreak despite social media posts that talk about overcrowded hospitals and the high number of infections.
On the other hand, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that rates of multiple flu-like illnesses are increasing in the country, Newsweek reported citing data shared in December 2024.
HMPV is not a newly discovered, but it was first detected in 2001. The virus usually spreads from person to person just like flu or influenza via droplets from coughing and sneezing, or human contact, as well as if a person touches surfaces and objects contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms of the HMPV virus include coughing, fever or could include a stuffy or runny nose.
Some videos were posted on social media claiming that some people have returned to wearing face masks to avoid contracting the HMPV virus, meanwhile, others posted clips allegedly showing crowded hospitals in China and allegedly saying that the government in the country is trying to cover up the news in order not to spread panic among human.
