News for 'China Virus'

China steps up Nipah virus screening amid outbreak in India

China steps up Nipah virus screening amid outbreak in India

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

China has initiated screening procedures for travelers arriving from regions affected by the Nipah virus, including India. While no cases have been detected in China, health authorities are taking precautionary measures due to the ongoing outbreak in India.

Trump again calls coronavirus as 'China Virus'

Trump again calls coronavirus as 'China Virus'

Rediff.com25 Aug 2020

In March, he had said that China is responsible for the spread of the novel coronavirus and called the COVID-19 as the "Chinese Virus".

Reasonably close to deal on Ukraine war: Trump at Davos

Reasonably close to deal on Ukraine war: Trump at Davos

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Trump says Putin and Zelenskyy would be stupid if they don't end the war now, and that he knows they are not stupid.

China virus toll rises to 1,770; cases up to 70,500

China virus toll rises to 1,770; cases up to 70,500

Rediff.com17 Feb 2020

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said international experts were now on the ground in China to understand the outbreak and inform the next steps in the global response.

Mpox outbreak in Kerala linked to UAE travel, finds ICMR-NIV study

Mpox outbreak in Kerala linked to UAE travel, finds ICMR-NIV study

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Findings of the first in-depth analysis of clinical and genomic characteristics of the Clade Ib strain, published in the journal Virology, showed seven of the 10 individuals had a history of travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

'Let's Stop Treating AI Like COVID'

'Let's Stop Treating AI Like COVID'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'It is too early to conclude that there will be a bloodbath, that there will be no jobs, and that there will be civil unrest.' 'Let's calm down.' 'AI is a tool, it is not a weapon, it is not a virus.'

ALERT! New coronavirus found in China's Wuhan

ALERT! New coronavirus found in China's Wuhan

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

A Chinese team of virologists has discovered a new bat coronavirus that can infect human cells, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human transmission. The virus, a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, uses the same human receptor as the virus that causes COVID-19. The study, led by Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was published in the journal Cell. The discovery comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Wuhan lab, which was previously accused of being the source of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese government has denied any involvement in the virus's origin and insists that the Wuhan lab never engaged in gain-of-function studies on coronaviruses.

Covid originated in US? China claims to have 'proof'

Covid originated in US? China claims to have 'proof'

Rediff.com1 May 2025

China on Wednesday accused the United States for originating COVID-19, claiming America was trying to 'shift the blame' after US President Donald Trump said that the disease was leaked from a Wuhan lab, New York Post reported.

US, China trade barbs over 'Chinese Virus'

US, China trade barbs over 'Chinese Virus'

Rediff.com18 Mar 2020

The US and China have sparred over the origin of the virus for days, with a Chinese official promoting conspiracy theories.

Centre on alert over HMPV outbreak in China

Centre on alert over HMPV outbreak in China

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union health ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies, according to official sources.

China reports over 100 Covid cases amid virus spike

China reports over 100 Covid cases amid virus spike

Rediff.com3 Nov 2021

China's National Health Commission said on Wednesday that 93 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 16 new imported cases were reported on Tuesday, the highest in a single day in recent weeks.

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Covid-19: China refutes claims of 'gain-of-function' research at Wuhan lab

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

China has firmly denied that its Wuhan Institute of Virology conducted gain-of-function studies on coronavirus, rejecting allegations that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funded such research at the lab. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that the lab has never engaged in gain-of-function research, designed, made, or leaked COVID-19. China has also reiterated its stance on the origins-tracing of COVID-19, stating that the pandemic was "extremely unlikely" to have originated from a lab leak, as concluded by the WHO-China joint mission.

China making virus deadlier than Covid in Pakistan: Report

China making virus deadlier than Covid in Pakistan: Report

Rediff.com6 Nov 2022

According to various global media reports, China is creating Covid-like pathogens in Pakistan that have the potential of causing virus contamination on a scale far higher than Covid.

Will China wage war over Taiwan in 2025? Xi's remark raises alarm

Will China wage war over Taiwan in 2025? Xi's remark raises alarm

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

President Xi Jinping has said that no one can ever stop Taiwan's reunification with China as he signed off 2024 amid growing anxieties in the country over the continued slowdown of the economy and the return of Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose punitive tariffs and trade measures against Beijing in his second term.

Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US must cooperate

Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US must cooperate

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory and called for China and the United States to find the right way to manage the differences by strengthening dialogue and communication.

'Ladakh Made The World Wary Of China'

'Ladakh Made The World Wary Of China'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

'While my generation carries with it the memory of the Chinese perfidy of 1962, this generation will carry the memory of Chinese perfidy in Galwan.'

China closes makeshift hospitals as virus cases plunge

China closes makeshift hospitals as virus cases plunge

Rediff.com9 Mar 2020

The overall confirmed cases on the mainland reached 80,735 by the end of Sunday which included 3,119 people who have died so far.

China could've stopped virus, but didn't: Trump

China could've stopped virus, but didn't: Trump

Rediff.com21 May 2020

The US president, who has expressed disappointment over China's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, claimed that it was the "incompetence" of Beijing that led to the mass killing across the globe.

China incompetent or did it for a reason: Trump on virus

China incompetent or did it for a reason: Trump on virus

Rediff.com4 May 2020

United States President Donald Trump, who has come under fierce criticism for his handling of the coronavirus crisis, has alleged that the Chinese government was either incompetent in preventing the deadly virus from spreading globally or did it for a reason.

US 'political virus' pushing bilateral ties to brink of 'new Cold War': China

US 'political virus' pushing bilateral ties to brink of 'new Cold War': China

Rediff.com24 May 2020

Chian it was open to international efforts to identify the source of the deadly virus.

Life in virus-stricken 'ghost town' of China's Wuhan

Life in virus-stricken 'ghost town' of China's Wuhan

Rediff.com31 Jan 2020

The outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in Hubei province, has led to massive efforts to quarantine major cities and halt the spread. As of Thursday, the nationwide death toll from China's novel coronavirus epidemic has jumped to 170 with 38 more fatalities while confirming more than 1,700 new infections. Since then, it has been described as a "ghost town" with residents staying home, cars banned from the roads and store shelves emptied of masks, disinfectants and even full body suits. Here are some scenes from Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus outbreak.

Covid-19 in Wuhan's raccoon dogs strengthens virus's natural origin theory

Covid-19 in Wuhan's raccoon dogs strengthens virus's natural origin theory

Rediff.com17 Mar 2023

A new analysis of genetic samples collected from a seafood market in central China's Wuhan city shows the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in raccoon dogs sold at the venue, strengthening the case for the natural origin of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a team of international experts.

India's HMPV cases rise to 5; govt says no need to panic

India's HMPV cases rise to 5; govt says no need to panic

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

No reason to worry as HMPV not new: Health Minister Nadda

No reason to worry as HMPV not new: Health Minister Nadda

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

India is closely monitoring cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), but the Union Health Minister has assured the public there is no cause for worry. The virus, which is not new and has been circulating globally since 2001, has been detected in several states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. The Health Ministry, ICMR, and NCDC are keeping a close watch on the situation in China and neighboring countries, and the WHO is expected to share a report on the matter shortly.

New illness spreading in China, WHO seeks info

New illness spreading in China, WHO seeks info

Rediff.com23 Nov 2023

World Health Organisation (WHO) has sought more information from Beijing on information about an outbreak of pneumonia in northern China that appears to be mostly affecting children, Al Jazeera reported.

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Can We Fight China, Pakistan With What We Have?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Everybody talks of China as the real threat, but we aren't even building a decisive capability against Pakistan, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

China: Swine virus toll mounts to 19

China: Swine virus toll mounts to 19

Rediff.com26 Jul 2005

Swine virus infection toll mounts to 19 in China

HMPV: 2 cases detected in Maha; Centre asks states to step up surveillance

HMPV: 2 cases detected in Maha; Centre asks states to step up surveillance

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

The Indian government has advised states to intensify surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illnesses (SARI), following the detection of five human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country. The decision comes amidst reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China. The Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, chaired a virtual meeting with states and union territories to discuss the situation and public health measures. While there is no cause for public concern, the government is emphasizing the importance of preventive measures such as handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms.

'HMPV Has Been Circulating For Decades'

'HMPV Has Been Circulating For Decades'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

'But it is only now being detected more via a test that costs about Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.' 'The HMPV virus typically causes mild respiratory symptoms in most people, but can be more severe in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity.'

HMPV infections not life-threatening: Karnataka minister

HMPV infections not life-threatening: Karnataka minister

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has said there is no need to panic over two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) detected in the state, as the infections are caused by old virus strains and are not life-threatening. The minister said that the two infected infants are doing "normal" and advised people to follow general precautionary measures. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected the two cases through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

No cause of worry, infection severity mild: ICMR amid Covid spike

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Amid an uptick in Covid cases in some parts of the country, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl said the severity of infections as of now is generally mild and there was no cause for worry. Speaking about new Covid variants being traced, he said genome sequencing of samples in the west and south have shown that the new variants are not severe and are Omicron sub-variants. These are LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three are more prevalent, Dr Behl said. "Samples from other places are being sequenced and we will know in a day or two if there are more variants." The ICMR DG said there has been an uptick in cases --first from the south, then west and now from northern India. All these cases are being monitored through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Besides that, ICMR's nationwide respiratory virus sentinel surveillance network is keeping a watch on emerging infections and pathogens, he said. "Whenever cases increase, we look at three things. It's dependent on three factors with the first being how transmissible it is, conversely how fast the cases are increasing. Previously we saw Covid cases double in two days, but this time it is not that cases are increasing rapidly. "Secondly, are the new variants evading our previous immunity? When new variants come, they evade immunity -- be it natural or from the vaccine. But there's nothing to worry about at the moment," Dr Behl said. He also said that the third factor is the percentage of severe cases in all Covid instances. "Are we getting a very severe disease without comorbidities? As of now, the severity is generally low. There's nothing to worry about. We should be vigilant and we should always be prepared," the ICMR DG asserted. Dr Behl also informed reporters that the Union Health secretary chaired a meeting on Sunday that was also attended by the director general of health services and himself. "We have been closely monitoring the situation. We should be vigilant at this moment, but there is no cause to worry. The general public should be vigilant. There is no need to take any such action as of now," he said. The officer added that the WHO database has been showing that the new variants were not causing severe disease. "People do not need to take any immediate action. They should follow normal precautions. So, there is nothing special to do right now." Asked about the need for a booster dose, he said there is no need for vaccination as of now. "India has the capability to make vaccines and if need be, we can make any vaccine in no time."

When you engineer a virus, you leave behind...'

When you engineer a virus, you leave behind...'

Rediff.com29 Jun 2021

'...signatures.' 'But such signatures are missing in this virus.'

No unusual HMPV surge in India but precautions must: Experts

No unusual HMPV surge in India but precautions must: Experts

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Amid growing concerns over the detection of human metapneumovirus cases in India, health experts have emphasised the virus is not new, and advised people to stay calm and take basic precautions.

China questions Covid origin to Wuhan ahead of WHO probe

China questions Covid origin to Wuhan ahead of WHO probe

Rediff.com27 Nov 2020

Battling global adversity over the coronavirus and bracing for a World Health Organisation inquiry over its origin, China on Friday claimed that just because COVID-19 cases were first reported in Wuhan does not mean the contagion originated from the central Chinese city.

COVID-19 Surges In China

COVID-19 Surges In China

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

Health data firm Airfinity estimates more than 5,000 people are probably dying each day from COVID-19 in China.

No novel pathogen behind recent outbreak: China to WHO

No novel pathogen behind recent outbreak: China to WHO

Rediff.com25 Nov 2023

Even when China's widely-publicised exchange with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to the queries over the reports of surging cases of mycoplasma pneumonia and influenza flu triggered the worldwide alert, including in India, China said the spike in respiratory diseases was due to an 'immunity gap'.

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

COVID-19 Returns, But No Cause For Alarm

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We have to be wary because if an uncontrolled transmission happens, random mutations may lead to something which could be virulent and then that could land us in a problem.'

Explainer: What is HMPV and how does it spread?

Explainer: What is HMPV and how does it spread?

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes illnesses ranging from mild respiratory discomfort to severe complications. It spreads through respiratory droplets, similar to other respiratory viruses such as RSV and influenza. This article provides an overview of HMPV including its symptoms, transmission, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and how it differs from COVID-19.

US scientist who worked at Wuhan lab says Covid was manmade virus

US scientist who worked at Wuhan lab says Covid was manmade virus

Rediff.com5 Dec 2022

In what appears to be an astonishing revelation, a US-based scientist who worked at a controversial research lab in China's Wuhan, has said that Covid-19 was a "man-made virus" that leaked from the facility.