HOSPITAL OVERCROWDING IN CHINA AS HMPV VIRUS OUTBREAK SPREADS
Shocking footage has emerged from a hospital in China, showing rows of children attached to IV drips surrounded by exhausted parents, as a flu-like respiratory virus, HMPV, continues to spread across the country.
The video, shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, was taken in a hospital in Nantong, a city with a population of 7.7 million people. The hospital is overcrowded, with children sitting on green benches attached to IV drips, some sleeping alongside their parents while others are propped up awkwardly against the sides of the benches.
Chinese social media users have voiced concern about the recent outbreak, with many commenting on having “mysterious symptoms” similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have reported taking medication, such as Tamiflu, but still experiencing symptoms.
The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has announced that infections have significantly risen from December 16 to 22. Those at high risk of contracting the virus include the elderly, infants, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Symptoms of HMPV include fever, cough, sore throat, weakness, and dizziness, and in severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia and bronchitis. The outbreak is especially concerning for vulnerable groups and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has advised those at high risk to consider preventative medication and pay increased attention to changes in their health. The outbreak has sparked widespread concern on Chinese social media platforms, with many calling for increased measures to be taken to contain the spread of the virus.
