China Virus Goes Viral on Social Media with Few Checks

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China Sees Spikes in Human Metapneumovirus Cases

By Raisina Correspondent

New Delhi, January 3: China virus outbreak is now scaring the people all across the world to mine the social media for clues. Claims are spreading fast of a health emergency, which is not yet verified.

The digital platforms of the media organisations are also partaking the panic algorithm to spread the China virus scare. China, in fact, has at least two-decade old history of battling human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

Reports said that “China has issued a public health safety alert”. The social media enthusiasts amplified, saying that there is a state of health emergency. Experts cautioned with clarifications that Beijing has issued no such statement.

Five years ago, China had exported the Covid-19 virus. Italy was the first recipient of the Coronavirus per medical experts. Europe and the rest of the world soon after faced wild infections.

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Health experts have said that China has a long history of battling respiratory infections among children. China had commissioned a study on hMPV infections among children in the Suzhou region during 2005-06.

The study examined a total of 1932 children from October 2005 to November 2006 to determine the seasonal distribution of the infections, as well as the genetic variation and the clinical features. The infected children were admitted at a hospital which was affiliated to the Soochow University in China.

The outcome of the study said that the virus spreads when temperature dips while causing fever, cough, wheezing, and rhinorrhoea. The virus also exacerbates conditions of asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and laryngitis.

The study had also concluded that most infections were caused during November to March. This is also the period when temperature is at minimum in the Chinese region witnessing severe viral infections.

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While China is battling hMPV virus for more than two decades, it’s not yet known if Beijing has tested any vaccine for the virus.

“Authorities are stepping up monitoring COVID-19 spread at over 1,000 hospitals,” said Epoh TV in a post. Some reports also stated that “China is grappling with hMPV outbreak alongside influenza A and Covid-19”.

With China’s credibility questioned for reporting outbreaks of viruses timely, the social media platforms are going wild with unverified claims. Yet, there is a proposal before the US Congress which seeks to hold China accountable for spreading the Coronavirus five years ago.