HMPV is a “winter occurrence”, “less serious, spreading on a smaller scale”: China

HMPV is a “winter occurrence”, “less serious, spreading on a smaller scale”: China
HMPV is a “winter occurrence”, “less serious, spreading on a smaller scale”: China

Maison » HEALTH/MEDICINE » HMPV is a “winter occurrence”, “less serious, spreading on a smaller scale”: China

New Delhi, January 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Covid-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV), currently spreading in China, is only a “winter phenomenon”, is less severe and spreads on a smaller scale, a said the spokesperson for the country’s foreign ministry. .

The statement comes as photos and videos emerged on social media showing Chinese hospitals overwhelmed with people amid a surge in cases of HMPV – causing respiratory illness – and raising serious concerns about another similar pandemic to that of Covid-19.

Speaking to reporters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called this an annual occurrence in winter and assured that travel to the country was safe.

“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Recently, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China held a press conference to share information on the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in China during winter,” Ning said.

“Diseases appear less severe and are spreading on a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” she added.

Furthermore, reassuring about the safety of citizens and tourists, she noted: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China”, adding that “it is safe to travel to China.

Over the past few days, there has been a sudden increase in respiratory illnesses across China, reminding people of a similar increase before Covid was confirmed.

Media outlets in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and Japan have also warned their citizens to be aware of the situation in China and take necessary precautions.

Meanwhile, Indian health officials also assured that there was no cause for concern.

“The spread of HMPV in China is like any other respiratory virus,” said Dr Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), while addressing the media.

“There is no reason to be alarmed by the current situation,” he added.

The expert noted that the disease can cause “flu-like symptoms” in older people and very young children.

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is a member of the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The virus can cause upper and lower respiratory illnesses in people of all ages. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most affected.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

Its incubation period would be between three and five days.

Wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and boosting immunity can help prevent illness.

HMPV had been detected in 2023 in the Netherlands, Great Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada, the United States and China.

Source : IANS

About Gopi

Gopi Adusumilli is a programmer. He is the Editor-in-Chief of SocialNews.XYZ and Chairman of AGK Fire Inc.

He enjoys designing websites, developing mobile applications and publishing news articles on current affairs from various authenticated news sources.

When it comes to writing, he enjoys writing about current world politics and Indian films. His future plans include developing SocialNews.XYZ into a news website with no bias or judgment towards any.

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