As respiratory diseases rise alarmingly in China, there are complaints of overcrowded hospitals and an overburdened health care system. Health experts are particularly concerned about the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that affects several Asian countries, in other parts of the region.

According to Chinese health officials, the virus is spreading in the northern regions of the country. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that northern China was the worst affected. HMPV, which can affect people of all ages, is more common in children, raising further public health concerns.

Although social media reports describe a critical situation, neither the Chinese authorities nor the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared a state of emergency at this stage.

Read this also China is facing a new virus outbreak five years after the Covid crisis.

20 years ago, no vaccine had been discovered for the virus.

The outbreak has raised awareness of the need for preventive measures, especially since there is no vaccine for HMPV even though the virus has been known for nearly two decades.

Health experts are urging vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to limit the spread of the virus. The general public has been advised by authorities to wash their hands and wear masks and take other precautions.

Authorities across Asia are closely monitoring flu outbreaks and the respiratory virus spreading in China. Areas around China are implementing strict surveillance measures. For example, very few cases have been reported in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Japan’s health authorities are actively working to combat the problem. After a major influenza outbreak, thousands of cases were reported across the country in Japan, as reported by local media on Saturday. According to Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 5,000 hospitals and clinics across the country reported 94,259 cases of flu in the week to December 15. The total number of cases in Japan for the current season has now reached 718,000.

What is the HMPV virus?

According to Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), belonging to the Pneumoviridae, genus Metapneumovirus, is an enveloped single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus.

In 2001, it was first detected by Dutch scholars in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children with respiratory infections caused by unknown pathogens. Serological studies show that it has been around for at least 60 years, being distributed worldwide as a common respiratory pathogen.

HMPV Outbreak in China: Symptoms, Prevalence and What You Should Know

What is the mortality rate of HMPV infection?

Children, immunocompromised populations and the elderly are susceptible and more likely to be infected with other respiratory viruses. HMPV often causes common cold symptoms, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing, but can sometimes result in bronchitis and pneumonia in severe cases.

In susceptible individuals with underlying medical conditions, HMPV infection can lead to death. Based on data from an article published in Lancet Global Health in 2021, one percent of deaths from lower respiratory tract infections in children under five years of age can be attributed to HMPV. Currently, there is no vaccine or effective drug against HMPV, and treatment focuses mostly on reducing symptoms.



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