Experts reject the idea of a new outbreak comparable to that of Covid-19; The disease causes mild symptoms and can lead to pneumonia
Cases of the respiratory virus HMPV (metapneumovirus) have increased rapidly in China, especially in the current winter season, according to the United Nations. The entity’s agency contributes to tracking pathogens and monitoring changes in variants.
The organization explains that the human metapneumovirus is a very common respiratory virus and generally causes relatively mild symptoms, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing.
However, severe cases can cause pneumonia, especially in children, the elderly or people with comorbidities.
Although it is a separate virus, the human metapneumovirus is similar, for example, to the respiratory syncytial virus, which is the most common cause of hospitalizations for children with bronchitis and bronchiolitis, according to the .
According to the director of the (World Health Organization) in Europe, Hans Kluge, the WHO office in China said the scale and intensity of cases remain lower than a year ago. The organization monitors the evolution of cases.
On social media, the growing infection is being heralded as a “new outbreak” viral in China and compared to the covid-19 pandemic. Schools in Wuhan, China, were closed due to a huge increase in cases of the HMPV virus, according to the Indian news portal .
China is experiencing a new virus outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is spreading quickly and causing symptoms similar to the flu and COVID-19.
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss)
Hospitals in China Overwhelmed as Severe “Flu” Outbreak, Including Influenza A and HMPV, Resembling 2020 COVID Surge.
— Boar News (@PhamDuyHien9)
Internet users say, however, that the Indian media is magnifying the reality. Publications share that cases commonly increase in winter and that the virus is not “new”. They say there is no reason to despair.
Plea from an Indian doctor from Tamil Nadu in China, asking people to not get panicked by fake news on Indian media. He says:
– Winter in China usually sees a rise in flu, pneumonia, asthma cases. This, he says, is normal.
– There is no “new virus” (people need to look up HMPV)…— Ananth Krishnan (@ananthkrishnan)
China declared a state of emergency due to multiple viruses (Influenza A, HMPV, COVID-19, and more), supposedly overflowing hospitals and crematoriums
— News and Memes (@Tropicxs_media)
For experts, according to the WHO, Hmpv is not a “new threat” It is a respiratory disease that is already known, although often little talked about. The virus would be common and has been circulating around the world for more than 60 years, however, it was only identified by scientists in the early 2000s due to its slow growth rate and non-specific symptoms.
Director Kluge said that obtaining information from reliable sources and experts helps combat misinformation about the case.
VIRUS TRANSMISSION
Although experts do not see a major threat compared to the Covid-19 outbreak, the incidence of respiratory virus cases in general increases in autumn and winter.
Therefore, knowing how the virus is transmitted HMPV and reinforcing basic hygiene care are necessary to avoid contamination.
The virus is transmitted through droplets, close contact or contaminated surfaces. To date, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV, nor a vaccine to prevent the disease.
The WHO recommends simple measures to control virus infections. They are the same for several respiratory diseases, such as the flu and covid-19.
One of the recommendations is to stay home when you are sick. Additionally, wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or a bent elbow.
Washing your hands and cleaning surfaces regularly are also other important measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
For the director of the European WHO, the best way to prevent any risk to public health on a large scale is to invest in robust systems and services, including collaborative surveillance.
