A health official has reported a decline in northern China the rate of infections by the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has generated some concern internationally over a potential pandemic. HMPV, part of the same viral family as the respiratory syncytial virus, typically causes symptoms akin to flu or a cold, such as fever, cough, and nasal congestion.
While these symptoms usually resolve on their own, they can lead to more serious lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. “The human metapneumovirus is not a new virus, and has been with humans for at least several decades,” said Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, during a China National Health Commission press briefing.
She mentioned that the recent uptick in virus cases, since its discovery in the Netherlands in 2001, is due to improved detection capabilities. “At present, the rate of positive cases in human metapneumovirus detection is fluctuating, and the rate of positive cases in northern provinces is declining, and the rate of positive cases among patients aged 14 and below has started to decline,” Wang stated.
READ MORE: Child star dies in LA wildfire as ‘devastated mum couldn’t save him’
READ MORE: Child TV star died ‘needlessly’ in LA fires, devastated mum says
Images of hospitals overflowing with masked patients had sparked alarm about an increase in HMPV infections in northern China. However, the World Health Organisation noted it hasn’t been alerted to any unusual outbreaks within China or elsewhere.
According to experts, HMPV differs from Covid-19 in that it has been present for decades, resulting in some level of built-in immunity. Typically, most children contract the virus by the age of five.
A health official stated that the current respiratory illnesses affecting individuals in China are caused by known pathogens, with no emergence of new infectious diseases. Although the number of patients visiting fever clinics and emergency departments nationwide has increased, it remains generally lower compared to the same period last year, as reported by Gao Xinqiang, deputy director of the Department of Medical Emergency Response.
“There is no obvious shortage of medical resources,” he noted. The health commission’s spokesperson, Hu Qiangqiang, anticipates a gradual decline in flu infections across the country by mid-to-late January.
As there are no available vaccines or treatments for HMPV, experts advise taking precautions to avoid contracting the virus and other respiratory diseases, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding crowded areas when possible, and wearing a mask in crowded spaces.
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and, Breaking News group by clicking this link