Rising Cases of HMPV in China: What You Need to Know
Similar to Flu
HMPV, or human metapneumovirus, is a flu-like virus that generally causes a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract. It spreads via person-to-person contact or when someone touches a contaminated surface. Common symptoms include coughing, fever, and a blocked nose, which are similar to many types of cold and flu. Vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems may have more severe symptoms.
Public Health Advice
Public health advice for HMPV is similar to that for flu. Professor John Tregoning, from Imperial College London, recommends protecting yourself by being in well-ventilated spaces, covering your mouth when you cough, and washing your hands. Infected people should rest, take on fluids, and try not to spread it to others.
Not Like Covid
The coronavirus that causes Covid-19 was unknown when it first emerged in humans in late 2019. This meant people had never been exposed to it and had no immunity, raising the risk of severe illness. In contrast, HMPV has been circulating for decades and people around the world already have some protection against it. Professor Tregoning notes that the virus is part of the cocktail of winter viruses that we are exposed to. Professor Paul Hunter, from the University of East Anglia, adds that almost every child will have at least one infection with HMPV by their fifth birthday, and many people catch the virus several times over the course of their lives.
What Has China Said?
China’s disease control authority held a press conference just before the new year to discuss its "progress and achievements." The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced it was piloting active monitoring of pneumonia of unknown origin as it developed its general prevention strategy. Top official Kan Biao gave a rundown on the state of play of various ailments in the country, noting that the scale and intensity of the spread of respiratory infectious diseases are lower than last year. China’s foreign ministry also stated that it was "safe to travel to China."
‘Within Normal Range’
Images of patients in face masks filling hospital emergency rooms have circulated widely on Chinese social media in recent weeks, but such scenes are not unusual for winter. Globally, worry has spread quickly, with those raising concerns pointing to Beijing’s perceived lack of transparency throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sought to allay fears around HMPV, stating that China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the normal range for the winter season.
Conclusion
While cases of HMPV are rising in China, experts have dismissed fears that the situation is comparable to the beginnings of Covid-19 five years ago. The virus is part of the normal winter virus cocktail, and public health advice is similar to that for flu. With some protection already built up in the population, the risk of severe illness is lower than it was with Covid-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is HMPV?
A: HMPV is a flu-like virus that generally causes a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract.
Q: How does HMPV spread?
A: HMPV spreads via person-to-person contact or when someone touches a contaminated surface.
Q: What are the symptoms of HMPV?
A: Common symptoms of HMPV include coughing, fever, and a blocked nose.
Q: Who is most at risk from HMPV?
A: Vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems may have more severe symptoms.
Q: What is the public health advice for HMPV?
A: Public health advice for HMPV is similar to that for flu, including protecting yourself by being in well-ventilated spaces, covering your mouth when you cough, and washing your hands.