China downplays reports of flu outbreak, says safe to travel in country

Amid reports of a massive flu outbreak in the country, China has said that the cases of respiratory diseases that occur during the winter were less severe this year than last year. The Chinese Foreign Ministry declared it safe for foreigners to travel to Beijing.

"Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the northern hemisphere. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media in response to a question on the spread of influenza A and other respiratory diseases in China.

Several videos circulating on social media show hospitals swamped with patients of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Reports of a massive flu outbreak in China have been circulating in other countries, particularly in India and Indonesia. However, health officials maintain the outbreak is an annual occurrence during the winter. China is currently experiencing severe cold weather for the past few months.