The increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, especially among children, has generated concern among local authorities. China’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) has warned the population to take health and hygiene precautions.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) office in China is in contact with local health authorities, who have reported that the scale and intensity of cases remain lower than a year ago.
What is metapneumovirus?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) It is not a new virus, having been known since 2001. According to the WHO, this is a relatively common virus that, in general, causes mild symptoms, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing. However, severe cases can cause , especially in children, the elderly or people with comorbidities.
A Transmission of the virus occurs through dropletsfrom close contact with people with the infection or with contaminated surfaces. Currently, there is no specific treatment for HMPV, nor a vaccine to prevent the disease.
Therefore, the WHO’s main recommendation for controlling metapneumovirus infections is the same as for other respiratory diseases: stay in isolation if you are sick, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, keep environments well ventilated, wear a mask in public places and with crowds of people, and wash your hands well.
What are the symptoms of metapneumovirus?
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms of metapneumovirus are:
- Cough;
- Fever;
- Nasal congestion;
- Shortness of breathe;
- In more advanced cases, it can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
According to the CDC, the incubation period for the virus is three to six days, and the average duration of the illness can vary depending on the severity, but is similar to other respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds and colds.
Can metapneumovirus cause a pandemic?
According to the WHO, experts have stated that the metapneumovirus does not represent “a new threat”, as it is already known. For Hans Kluge, a Belgian doctor and specialist at the entity, the best way to prevent any risk to public health is to invest in robust systems and services, including collaborative surveillance.
The concern about cases in China is due to the unexpected increase in infections, mainly among children and adolescents. This raises suspicions about the possibility that the metapneumovirus has undergone some genetic mutation, according to experts interviewed by .
Kugle points out that while preparing for and responding to health emergencies is vital, it is also equally important to obtain information from trusted, expert-generated sources to help combat misinformation.
