Rising Cases of respiratory virus (HMPV) in China: Says Health Officials
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China is witnessing a rise in respiratory infections this winter, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a relatively lesser-known virus that causes upper and lower respiratory illnesses across all age groups. According to data released by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV cases have increased recently alongside seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
However, health experts have assured that this surge is not unusual for the winter season. “China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the normal range. It’s what we would expect to see for this time of year,” said Margaret Harris, spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), during a briefing. She emphasized that no emergency measures have been launched in response to these infections, and hospital utilization in China remains lower than this time last year.
HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a common winter virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing and contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically resemble those of the common cold, such as cough, fever, and nasal congestion. While most cases are mild and resolve within a few days, vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems may face more severe infections.
Although HMPV infections can be tested for, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available. Health experts recommend rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms. WHO advises maintaining good hygiene, such as covering coughs, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and staying home when symptomatic, to prevent the virus’s spread.
Globally, experts highlight that the rise in HMPV cases is part of the broader respiratory virus season, which includes flu, RSV, and COVID-19. “It’s respiratory virus season for a reason,” said Janet Hamilton, executive director of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists, adding that most HMPV cases resolve without complications.
While the Chinese CDC tracks rising infections, experts urge vigilance rather than alarm. John Tregoning, a professor of vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, reiterated that for most people, HMPV presents like the flu or RSV and resolves on its own. He advised seeking medical attention for severe symptoms while noting that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like HMPV.
This winter surge underscores the importance of respiratory hygiene and precautionary measures to curb the spread of seasonal illnesses.
Source: CNN
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