What is HMPV? China strengthens emergency measures due to new virus outbreak

China have experienced Rapid increase in respiratory virus infectionsleading to hospital crowding, emergency measures, and public concerns about the epidemic.

The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen a surge in cases this winter, particularly among children, in northern Chinese provinces.

The outbreak occurred five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of the new coronavirus. WuhanSince then, China has become a global pandemic that has killed 7 million people.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China have appeared on social media platforms, and local reports say the scene of the HMPV outbreak was similar to the first coronavirus outbreak.

Health authorities are taking emergency measures to monitor and control the spread. However, the Chinese government has downplayed this trend as an annual winter event.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak in winter,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.

“The severity of the disease appears to be lower and the spread is smaller than in previous years,” she said.

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes cold- and flu-like symptoms. Although the disease is usually mild, it can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, especially in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Although the virus is not new, it has received attention due to a sharp rise in infections among children under 14, particularly in northern China.

First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that is spread through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. Infections have so far been confirmed in various countries, including the UK.

Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, and the incubation period is 3 to 6 days. Unlike COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection)there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV. Treatment primarily involves symptom management.

HMPV cases on the rise in China

The spike in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically promote the spread of respiratory viruses. Health officials stress that this surge is consistent with seasonal trends.

China's State Administration for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that respiratory infections, including HMPV, increased during winter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not reported the situation as a global health emergency, but the rising number of infections has prompted authorities to ramp up surveillance systems.

The pilot project is aimed at tracking cases of pneumonia of unknown origin and helping laboratories and health institutions more effectively report and manage cases, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing government officials at a press conference. The program has started.

Can the HMPV virus spread to other countries?

Several cases of HMPV have been reported in Hong Kong. Neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Taiwan are monitoring the situation closely. Cambodia's infectious disease control agency has issued a warning about HMPV, pointing out similarities with the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and influenza.

The Taiwan Center for Disease Control said children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk from the virus.

Officials in neighboring India said there was no need to panic as HMPV was “like other respiratory viruses”.

“News has been spreading about the metapneumovirus outbreak in China.Let me be clear on that point.According to local media, metapneumovirus is similar to other respiratory viruses that cause the common cold, and it is believed It can cause flu-like symptoms in young adults and very young people,” said Dr Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) official.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson reassured the public and tourists, saying, “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China,” adding that “travel to China is safe.” Ta.