China 'new pandemic' horror as mystery disease leaves hospitals 'overflowing'
Richard Ashmore & John O'sullivan

The world is on tenterhooks as unverified reports emerge of a mystery illness sweeping through China, leading to hospitals and crematoriums being inundated - yet the country seems to be downplaying the situation. China was pinpointed as the origin of the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which triggered a worldwide pandemic after the initial human cases were identified in Wuhan in November 2019.

The global death toll from Covid surpassed seven million, with an estimated 208,000 fatalities in the UK alone. Now, local media in China are hinting at a new ailment, possibly linked to the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), causing severe and sometimes fatal outcomes.

HMPV typically presents as a mild cold, but now queues of ill children and adults are swamping the nation's medical facilities, with deaths being reported. "Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere," commented Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry.

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"The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared to the previous year I can assure you the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China," reports the Express US.

Images have emerged from Chinese hospitals of large crowds overwhelming them
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests flu could be behind the soaring admissions and cases. But according to Aboluowang News, a US-based news provider covering China, a farmer from Hunan Province said people were dying from the outbreak. Mr Peng told the news site: " The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has suggested that influenza might be responsible for the spike in hospital admissions and cases."

According to Aboluowang News, a US-based news outlet focusing on China, a farmer from Hunan Province has reported that people are dying from the outbreak. Mr Peng told the news site: "A lot of people have caught colds, and most of them have [illness],' he said in quotes translated to English. About seven or eight people died this week in this area. Some were in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 40s."

There are reports of soaring deaths, like seen here in China during the pandemic
Another individual, identified as a funeral director named Ms Wang, stated: "There are long lines for cremation now, today, three VIP furnaces were opened. They were all burning and emitting a lot of smoke. It was terrible. If you don't know about the crematorium, you would think it is selling New Year goods, just like holding a trade fair during the Chinese New Year."

Unverified images and videos shared on X appear to show large numbers of patients waiting for treatment inside hospitals in China. The World Health Organisation (WHO) last month urged China to share more data five years after the outbreak of Covid-19. In a statement, the health body said: "We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of COVID-19.

"This is a moral and scientific imperative. Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics. "

WHO is yet to comment on the latest outbreak inside China.