A mysterious new virus outbreak has blanketed hospitals in China with citizens putting masks back on their faces.

Videos on social media show overcrowded medical units with medical staff struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

Parents are recorded keeping sick children waiting in long lines late into the night to receive pediatric care.

Many “see” similarities with the first dark days of the Covid pandemic five years ago in the city of Wuhan.

According to local media reports, a little-known virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is responsible for the condition. It usually causes a mild, cold-like illness with fever, cough, runny nose and wheezing.

In severe cases, HMPV can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in children.

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close physical contact, making it highly contagious in crowded environments.

The World Health Organization highlighted the rise in cases in a November bulletin, noting that respiratory infections have increased since October.

In response, China’s National Agency for Disease Control and Prevention launched a pilot surveillance system aimed at identifying and managing pneumonia of unknown origin. This initiative is designed to improve surveillance and response to the rise in winter-related respiratory infections.

Although social media is abuzz with claims of overcrowded hospitals, no official reports suggest the situation is critical.

However, the NCDPA recognized a marked increase in respiratory infections between December 16 and 22.

The ongoing pneumonia epidemic is of particular concern to vulnerable groups, including young children and the elderly.