Mysterious Pneumonia Outbreak in China Sparks Concerns Amid Surge in Deaths; CCP Admits Presence of New COVID-19 Variant

In one of the most populous provinces in China, a mysterious pneumonia outbreak that began in September has escalated, leading to a significant increase in deaths and triggering concerns both domestically and internationally. Residents in Henan Province, the third most populous province in China, have reported a surge in infections and deaths, particularly among the elderly, with suspicions that the outbreak is linked to a new, highly contagious COVID-19 variant.

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) initially attributed the outbreak to cross-infections of various respiratory infections, downplaying any connection to COVID-19. However, in mid-December, the CCP admitted the presence of a new COVID-19 variant, the JN.1 mutant strain, which has been circulating for several months.

Residents in Henan Province revealed that the state medical system enforces an unspoken rule to avoid mentioning COVID-19, attributing elderly patients’ infections to underlying diseases. Requests for COVID-19 tests are reportedly denied, and the true nature of the outbreak is concealed.

Deaths in the region have sharply increased, with reports of serious symptoms resembling severe COVID-19 cases, such as “white lung,” pulmonary fibrosis, and sudden deaths. Hospitals are overwhelmed, resembling scenes from the COVID-19 outbreak a year ago.

Local residents disclosed that government-run crematoriums are operating around the clock, with a significant surge in funerals. Private funeral parlors and morgues have proliferated in response to the growing demand. Crematoriums, once operating with the tradition of “no cremation after high noon,” are now working 24/7, reflecting the severity of the situation.

One resident stated, “There are eight crematoriums in the funeral home, all cremating corpses 24 hours a day, which is quite scary.” Additionally, the increase in private funeral homes indicates a rising need for services beyond the capacity of government-run facilities.

As concerns grow, the situation in China draws parallels with the sudden abandonment of COVID-19 control measures in December of the previous year, leading to an unprecedented wave of cases and overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. The latest developments raise questions about the transparency of information and the true extent of the current health crisis in China.