Nearly five years after the appearance and spread of Covid-19, several regions of China, particularly in the northern provinces, are facing the spread of a new virus called HMPV, short for Human Metapneumovirus. This virus causes respiratory tract infections.
Chinese authorities have denied reports circulating about the spread of a “dangerous virus” affecting the respiratory system. A medical sector official assured that there was no “no need to worry”. The Foreign Office also said travel to Beijing was “safe”.
Atul Goyal, director general of health services, told local media that he “there is no reason to be alarmed”, responding to a question regarding HMPV.
Some media sources had reported that Chinese authorities had put in place emergency measures to deal with the spread of this new virus, five years after the emergence of the coronavirus which caused a global pandemic.
Human Metapneumovirus was first discovered in 2001. It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, which also includes other viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and measles.
This virus can affect people of any age, but it is most common and dangerous in young children, the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, or those with chronic respiratory illnesses.
The symptoms of HMPV resemble those of the common cold or other respiratory infections, such as cough, fever, general fatigue or difficulty breathing.
In some cases, it can lead to serious complications, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The virus is transmitted through droplets released when coughing or sneezing, contact with contaminated surfaces, or direct interactions with an infected person.
