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China is seeing a rise in infections caused by a virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Hospitals are getting overcrowded, and new checks are being put in place as people worry about an outbreak.
The virus is spreading fast in northern China this winter, especially among children.
This comes five years after the world first learned about Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, which later became a global pandemic, causing around seven million deaths.
Photos and videos on social media show people in China wearing masks in hospitals. Some reports compare the situation to the early days of the Covid outbreak.
Health officials are introducing new ways to track and control pneumonia cases that don’t have a clear cause. However, Beijing says this is just a regular winter event and nothing unusual.
What is HMPV?
HMPV (human metapneumovirus) is a virus that causes cold and flu-like symptoms. It usually isn’t serious, but it can cause dangerous problems like pneumonia in babies, older people, and those with weak immune systems.
Recently, it’s been in the news because cases are rising in northern China, especially in kids under 14.
How does HMPV spread?
HMPV spreads through coughs, sneezes, or touching things that have the virus on them. It was first discovered in 2001 and has been found in many countries, like the UK.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Stuffy nose
- Feeling tired
It takes 3 to 6 days after catching the virus for symptoms to show up.
Is there a cure or vaccine?
No, there’s no vaccine or specific medicine for HMPV. Treatment focuses on helping with the symptoms, like resting and staying hydrated.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, said that respiratory infections usually rise in winter.
She also mentioned that the illnesses seem less serious and are spreading less than last year.
Rising HMPV Cases in China
The number of HMPV cases in China has been going up because of colder weather and more people staying indoors, which helps spread viruses. Health officials say this rise is normal for the winter season.
China's health authorities have noticed more respiratory infections, including HMPV, during winter. The World Health Organization (WHO) hasn’t called it a global health emergency, but authorities are working to track the situation more closely.
A new program has started to help better track and manage cases of pneumonia with no clear cause.
Can HMPV Spread to Other Countries?
HMPV has been reported in Hong Kong, and nearby countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are watching the situation closely. Cambodia has warned about HMPV because it’s similar to Covid-19 and the flu. Taiwan has also noted that the virus is more dangerous for kids, older people, and those with weak immune systems.
In India, health officials say there’s no need to panic because HMPV is just like any other respiratory virus.
Dr. Atul Goel, an official from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said that the metapneumovirus outbreak in China is not something to worry about. He explained that it’s just like any other respiratory virus that causes a common cold, and it can make very old or young people feel sick like the flu.
To calm citizens and tourists, a spokesperson from China’s foreign ministry also assured that the government cares about everyone’s health and said it is safe to travel in China.
