Sun Jan 05 13:15:41 UTC 2025: ## China Downplays Flu Outbreak Amidst International Concerns
**BEIJING** – China has dismissed concerns over a widespread flu outbreak, asserting that respiratory illnesses this winter are less severe than last year. The statement, made Friday by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, comes amidst social media videos showing crowded Chinese hospitals and international reports suggesting a significant surge in influenza and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases.
Ning stated that while respiratory infections peak during winter, this year’s cases are “less severe and smaller in scale” than in the previous year. She assured the international community that China prioritizes the health of both its citizens and foreign visitors, emphasizing that “it is safe to travel to China.” She further referenced national guidelines issued by China’s National Health Commission for the prevention and control of winter respiratory illnesses.
International concerns, particularly in India and Indonesia, have focused on a potential large-scale flu outbreak in China. However, Chinese health officials maintain that such seasonal surges are common.
Meanwhile, India’s National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) reported it is actively monitoring respiratory illnesses and seasonal influenza cases nationwide and is in contact with international health organizations following reports of the hMPV outbreak in China. India has also released guidelines in response to the situation. China’s severe cold weather in recent months has likely contributed to the increased respiratory illness cases.
First Piper 