VOA Mandarin: China's winter surge of flu-like HMPV cases raises concerns of transparency

FILE - A medical worker administers a dose of a vaccine against COVID-19 to an elderly resident, during a government-organized visit to a vaccination center in Zhongmin village on the outskirts of Shanghai, Dec. 21, 2022.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently spread widely across China, overwhelming hospitals and evoking memories of the COVID-19 outbreak. HMPV is not a new virus; it has been known for years and typically has a low mortality rate. Nevertheless, epidemiologists are calling for greater transparency about the spread of the virus to help contain infections. While the health care system is under strain, experts stress that there is no need for panic. They recommend the public follow basic protective measures, particularly during the Spring Festival travel period, to help curb further spread of the virus.