China’s foreign ministry confirmed on Friday that it is maintaining close communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding respiratory diseases, including the increasing cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country.
Guo Jiakun, a foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasized that the Chinese government prioritizes the health of both its citizens and foreign nationals. He clarified that HMPV is not a new virus, having circulated in humans for over 60 years.
“HMPV infections manifest as a self-limiting disease,” Guo said, cautioning against alarmist narratives that exaggerate common viruses as unknown threats.
China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that HMPV cases remain at high levels, consistent with trends across the northern hemisphere.
The WHO also confirmed that it has been in contact with Chinese health authorities and has not observed any unusual outbreak patterns. This coordination underscores a collaborative approach to monitoring and addressing global health concerns.
