Though hMPV or human metapneumovirus cases have increased in China, especially in the Northern Provinces, the increase is within the expected range of the disease during this season, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.
The UN health agency said China’s reported levels of acute respiratory infections, including HMPV, “are within the expected range for the winter season, with no unusual outbreak patterns reported”.
“Chinese authorities report that the health care system is not overwhelmed and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered,” it added.
There are more influenza infections
According to a respiratory physician named Wang at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, one of the major hospitals in Beijing, more than 90% of the patients had influenza infections. Wang told the South China Morning Post that there were slightly more HMPV infections than last year, but nowhere near the prevalence of the influenza virus, and there was nothing to justify calling it an “outbreak”.
Director of the infectious diseases department at the Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, said his department had not seen any increase in HMPV cases told the media.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. While most cases are mild, influenza can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, especially in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. Good hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can also reduce the risk.
HMPV cases in India
Meanwhile, in India at least 8 hMPV cases have been identified. Most of the patients are infants and toddlers.
Health experts and agencies have urged people not to panic. hMPV is not new to India and there have been such cases before.
The Centre had released a statement on Monday after the first case in the country was found in two infants in Karnataka. “Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country,” it had said. “It is emphasized that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country,” it added. State health agencies have been asked to monitor the situation and keep a track of the infections.
hMPV symptoms
According to the American Lung Association, most people experiencing mild hMPV symptoms do not need to see a doctor, as the illness should go away on its own and supportive care of symptoms at home is enough. However, if symptoms worsen and you develop shortness of breath, severe cough or wheezing, you should see a doctor.
Experts have assured that hMPV is not similar to COVID, as the latter was a novel virus and there were no measures available at that time to tackle it.
