Five years after the world battled with Covid-19, China has reported the outbreak of another respiratory virus — human metapneumovirus (HMPV) — which is rapidly spreading in several parts of the country.
Amid the rise in cases, health authorities across the world are warning over the outbreak and emphasising on enhancing hygiene measures such as wearing face masks and washing hands.
China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has established a procedure for laboratories to report and for disease control and prevention agencies to verify and handle cases, Reuters quoted CCTV as saying.
The report also quoted data for acute respiratory diseases showing an upward trend in overall infections in the week of December 16 to 22.
“Recent cases detected include pathogens such as the rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with cases of the human metapneumovirus among people under the age of 14 showing an upward trend, especially in northern provinces,” the report added.
Several reports also claimed that China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.
Meanwhile, several videos surfaced online showing crowded hospitals, with users claiming that multiple viruses, including influenza A, HMPV and others, are circulating.
What Is HMPV?
HMPV or human metapneumovirus is an RNA virus and belongs to the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus.
It was previously discovered in 2001 by Dutch researchers studying samples of children with respiratory infections.
The virus has reportedly spread all over the world as a common respiratory pathogen and mainly spread in droplets – through coughing and sneezing.
The virus usually causes symptoms similar to a cold, like cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing. In some cases, it can also result in bronchiolitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Thought, the infection is mild in most cases, but young children, elderly aged over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for serious illness.
Symptoms Of Human Metapneumovirus
Some of the symptoms of human metapneumovirus are:
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Rash
How Is Human Metapneumovirus Treated?
There are no antiviral medications to treat human metapneumovirus. In most cases among adults, the symptoms can be managed at home until the person feels better.
However, in case a patient is severely ill or develops complications, it is advisable to admit in a hospital and consult a doctor.
How To Take Precations?
Some of the ways of reducing the risk of getting HMPV and other infectious diseases are:
- Washing hands with soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow while sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid being near other people when they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases.
- Wear a mask if you’re sick.
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
