China blasts portraying common viruses as 'unknown' diseases, calls it 'alarmist'

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Friday criticized the branding of common viruses as "unknown viruses," calling it an "alarmist" approach, according to state media reports.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not an “unknown virus,” and describing it as such contradicts scientific knowledge, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.

The remarks came amid discussions on social and traditional media suggesting that an “unknown virus,” identified as human metapneumovirus, has emerged in China. Some posts claimed that rising cases have "overwhelmed" hospitals, citing videos of crowded wards.

“Winter is the peak season for respiratory infectious diseases in the Northern Hemisphere, and the influenza virus is one of the common pathogens. Currently, the scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China are lower than those of the same period last year,” Guo said.

He added that the ministry consulted with relevant authorities, confirming that human metapneumovirus is not a new strain but has been present in human society for over six decades as a common cause of upper respiratory infections.

“HMPV infections are self-limiting diseases, and portraying common viruses as ‘unknown viruses’ contradicts scientific knowledge and is alarmist,” he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also confirmed earlier this week that human metapneumovirus is not a new virus. It noted that the current circulation of respiratory viruses in China, including HMPV, follows typical winter patterns and does not warrant an emergency declaration.

Discovered in 2001, human metapneumovirus typically causes mild respiratory symptoms, similar to the common cold, but can lead to more severe illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The virus primarily affects the youngest and oldest, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems.