A 'mystery illness' that is reportedly causing overcrowded hospitals in China has seen a rise in people suffering from respiratory infections - but what exactly is it?
In an effort to track and combat this 'new' virus, China has already put emergency measures in place as cases have begun to surge across northern Chinese provinces.
It appears children are the main demographic affected by this unpleasant illness, with social media posts showing an influx of youngsters in hospitals with Covid-like symptoms.
Social media posts emerging from mainland China display photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals, with local reports suggesting these scenes eerily mirror the onset of Covid back in late 2019.