Unsubstantiated reports swirling on social media are sowing fear among parents in Central Asian states about the rapid spread of the HMPV virus out of China. The panic reached such a point in Uzbekistan that the country’s Health Ministry issued a statement to dispel rumors that its main pediatric care hospital was full of sickened children.

According to the ministry, the facility in question underwent routine maintenance work, which was completed on January 6. The full resumption of operations “naturally led to an increase in the flow of patients," the ministry said, adding that the pediatric hospital did not treat children with infectious diseases in any event.

Hospitals in China have been flooded with suspected HMPV cases in recent weeks. The virus, which causes flu-like symptoms, has existed for decades and does not pose anywhere near as mortal a threat to sufferers as did Covid-19 during that virus’ initial outbreak. But HMPV can pose considerable danger to very young children and those with weakened immune systems.

While rumors now circulating in Central Asia may be overblown, there appears to be some basis for public concern about the spread of the HMPV. Health officials in both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have issued health advisories cautioning families with small children to avoid crowded public spaces.

Many cases have already been reported in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Two local cases of HMPV have also garnered headlines in Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan is claiming no cases exist, echoing government claims a few years ago that the country was “Covid-free.” No information about possible infections in Turkmenistan is publicly available.