Infections of the flu-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are on the decline in northern China, a health official said on Sunday. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also clarified that there have been no irregular outbreaks in China or elsewhere.
What is HMPV?
Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus belonging to the respiratory infectious virus family. This causes flu or cold-like symptoms like fever, cough, and runny nose. Most of the time these symptoms clear up on their own, but serious respiratory infections can occur in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
“Metapneumovirus is not a new virus; it has been with humans for decades,” Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a National Health Commission press conference.
Infection rates are decreasing:
HMPV was discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands. Wang attributed the increase in cases of the virus over the past few years to improved diagnostic methods.
“Currently the rate of positive cases in HMPV tests is fluctuating. However, the rate is decreasing in the northern provinces, especially in children below 14 years of age,” she said.
Hospital conditions and care:
Recently, there were concerns raised after photos of patients wearing masks in hospitals in northern China went viral. However, Gao Xinqiang, deputy director of China’s Health Commission, said, “Although the number of patients in fever clinics and emergency departments has increased, it is still relatively low compared to last year. There is also no shortage of medical resources.”
Differences between HMPV and COVID-19:
According to experts, HMPV is not a virus that can cause deadly or unexpected outbreaks like COVID-19. HMPV has been around for decades, so people have some natural immunity to it. Most children are infected with this virus by the age of five.
Wang said that the respiratory diseases currently seen in China are caused by known infectious viruses. No new communicable disease outbreaks.
Measures to prevent infection:
There is no vaccine or medicine available for HMPV. Therefore, the following measures must be taken to prevent respiratory infections:
• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid going to crowded places
• Use masks in crowded places
Flu infections are expected to decrease:
National Health Commission spokesman Hu Qiangqiang said, “Flu infections are likely to gradually decline from mid-late January.”
HMPV is an old and familiar virus, and its prevalence appears to be declining in China. Taking proper precautions can prevent respiratory diseases. It has been clarified by the WHO that there is currently no specific outbreak, so there is no cause for concern globally.
