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The world is on alert for the outbreak of the new virus in China, what is HMPV?

2025-01-05 11:12:30Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
The world is on alert for the outbreak of the new virus in China, what is HMPV?
Views of hospital overcrowding in China

Cases of infections with a respiratory virus have raised concern in China, whose hospitals are already overcrowded.

The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has spread mainly in China's northern provinces this winter, especially among children.

The outbreak comes five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of a new coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which later turned into a global pandemic with seven million reported deaths.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China appeared on social media platforms and local reports said the scenes of an HMPV outbreak were similar to the initial Covid outbreak.

Health authorities are implementing urgent measures to monitor and manage the spread. However, Beijing has downplayed the developments, describing them as an annual winter phenomenon.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday: "Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season."

"The disease appears to be less severe and spreading at a lesser rate compared to last year," he said.

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and flu. While the illness is usually mild, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, especially in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

The virus is not new, but it has gained attention due to a rise in cases, especially in children under 14 in northern China.

First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Infections have previously been identified in various countries, including the United Kingdom, writes VoxNews.

Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days. Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV; treatment mainly involves managing symptoms.

Rising cases of HMPV in China

The increase in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically encourage the spread of respiratory viruses. Health officials say the increase is consistent with seasonal trends.

China's National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a surge in respiratory infections, including HMPV, during the winter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared the situation a global health emergency, but the increase in cases has prompted authorities to strengthen surveillance systems.

A pilot program has been launched to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring laboratories and health agencies can report and manage cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing an administration official at a press conference.

Can the HMPV virus spread to other countries?

Hong Kong has reported several cases of HMPV. Neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Taiwan are closely monitoring the situation. Cambodia's Department of Communicable Disease Control has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarities to Covid-19 and influenza.

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control has said that the highest risk of the virus is for children, the elderly and individuals with compromised immunity.

In neighboring India, officials said there is no need to panic as HMPV is "like any other respiratory virus."

"There have been news circulating about a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on this point. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes the common cold, and in the elderly and very young, it can cause flu-like symptoms," said Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official Dr Atul Goel, according to local media.

Reassuring citizens and tourists, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China," adding that "It is safe to travel to China."


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