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As respiratory illnesses rise sharply in China, hospitals are becoming overcrowded and the healthcare system is under strain. Health experts are particularly concerned about the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that is also affecting several other countries in Asia.
According to China’s health authorities, the virus is primarily spreading in the northern regions, with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirming that these areas are the hardest hit. HMPV can infect people of all ages, but it is especially common in children, raising further concerns for public health.
Despite reports on social media describing the situation as critical, neither Chinese officials nor the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared a state of emergency at this time.
HMPV has been known for nearly two decades, but no vaccine has been developed to prevent the infection. This has increased the focus on preventive measures, as health experts emphasize the importance of being vigilant and following public health guidelines. People are being advised to wash their hands regularly, wear masks, and take other precautions.
The virus’s spread has caused neighboring countries to closely monitor the situation. Hong Kong, for example, has reported very few cases so far. Meanwhile, Japan has been dealing with a significant influenza outbreak, with thousands of cases being reported across the country. As of December 15th, Japan had reported over 94,000 flu cases in a single week, bringing the total for the season to more than 718,000.
What is the HMPV Virus?
HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family and the Metapneumovirus genus. It was first discovered in 2001 by Dutch scientists in children’s respiratory infection samples. While it was initially identified in 2001, studies show that HMPV has likely been around for at least 60 years and is a common respiratory pathogen found worldwide.
Fatality Rate of HMPV Infection
Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to HMPV, and they are at higher risk of being co-infected with other respiratory viruses. While HMPV typically causes mild cold symptoms like cough, fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing, it can sometimes lead to more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia.
For those with underlying medical conditions, HMPV infection can be fatal. A study published in Lancet Global Health in 2021 estimated that HMPV contributes to about 1% of deaths from acute lower respiratory infections in children under the age of five. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV, and medical care mainly focuses on relieving symptoms.
