The World Health Organization (WHO) has rejected earlier social media claims that China has declared a state of emergency, saying that the healthcare system “is not overly affected and no emergency declaration or response has been initiated ”

The health agency said the increase in respiratory illnesses is a common trend seen during winter and spring, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

WHO said hMPV is a common respiratory virus found circulating in many countries in the winter and spring, “although not all countries test regularly and publish data on trends in hMPV.”

“WHO is in contact with Chinese health authorities and has received no reports of unusual outbreak patterns. Chinese authorities report that the health care system is not overwhelmed and no emergency declaration or response has been initiated. “Continues to monitor diseases at the regional and country levels through collaborative surveillance systems, and provides updates as needed,” the WHO report said.

The health agency said that during this time of year, many countries in the Northern Hemisphere experience an increase in acute respiratory infections. This seasonal increase is primarily driven by viruses such as influenza, RSV and HMPV, and bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The simultaneous spread of these pathogens could put a strain on health care systems.

Currently, many countries in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere are experiencing increases in influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) following typical seasonal patterns.

Influenza activity is high in parts of Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, Western and Central Africa, and throughout Asia.

The dominant influenza virus type varies by region, which is normal for this season, except in 2020 and 2021 when COVID-19 significantly reduced influenza activity.

SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) activity is monitored through sentinel surveillance and wastewater tracking, following high levels seen during the summer months in most Northern Hemisphere countries. Less remains.

RSV trends vary by region, with increasing cases in North America, declining trends in Europe, and mixed patterns in other parts of the Americas.

Some countries also monitor other respiratory viruses such as HMPV and report trends regularly. Overall, the current increase in respiratory infections is in line with expected seasonal trends for this time of year.

WHO advised people in winter-affected areas to take simple precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, especially to protect vulnerable groups.

If you have mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and avoid contact with others. People who are at higher risk or experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, covering the mouth with a tissue or your elbow when coughing and sneezing, washing hands regularly, and staying up to date with recommended vaccinations are effective ways to stay safe.

Follow your doctor’s advice and local health guidelines for vaccinations and preventive measures.

India’s health ministry has also said there has been no unusual increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in the country.