Editor-DN
New Delhi:
As photos and videos surfaced on social media showing hospitals in China overflowing with people amid rising cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV — a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms — COVID There are serious fears of another post-19 health crisis.
However, Beijing has played down the developments in recent days, treating it as an annual winter event.
As international reports warned travelers to reconsider their travel plans to China for now, Beijing issued a press statement to address such concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday that “respiratory infections peak in winter”.
Reassuring citizens and tourists, she said, “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners visiting China”, adding that it is safe to travel to China. is”.
When asked about overcrowding in hospitals and reports of an increase in respiratory diseases, he said, “These diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale than last year”. He urged citizens and tourists to refer to the guidelines issued by China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
There has been a sudden spike in respiratory illnesses across China over the past few days, reminding people of a similar spike during COVID-19. Media from neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and Japan also warned their citizens to be aware of the situation in China and take necessary precautions.
Hospitals in China are overwhelmed by cases of HMPV, influenza A, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.
What is Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV?
HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can cause severe respiratory problems, especially in children and vulnerable groups. It is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections. The disease was first identified in 2001, however, no vaccine has been developed to prevent it.
Symptoms of HMPV are similar to flu, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. However, in severe cases, the virus can cause complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Depending on how severe the case is, the incubation period is usually 3-7 days and full recovery may take some time.
HMPV is a contagious disease, which means it can spread through the air as well as by touch. Coughing or sneezing can spread it. The virus remains active on the surface of objects at room temperature, so even touching such an object can cause infection.
It is similar to covid in many ways. Some similarities are that they are both respiratory diseases and cause cough, fever, congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath. They both spread through respiratory droplets.
