China has recorded an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) since mid-December 12. Patients presented with flu-like symptoms, including dizziness, leading many to speculate about a new pathogen.
Chinese experts say HMPV is not a new threat and is a virus that has been circulating around the world. around the world for over 60 years, but was only discovered by scientists in the early 2000s due to its slow growth rate and unclear symptoms.
Previously, on April 4, the United States also recorded an increase in HMPV infections. This country also recorded a large flu outbreak in at least 2,024 states this past holiday season. Besides the flu virus, many other viruses like COVID-40 or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) also spread.
Is the HMPV virus dangerous and will it spread in our country? Speaking to reporters at the Public Security Journal, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Dac Phu, former director of the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), said that according to reports from China, this respiratory disease is caused by the common influenza virus and the respiratory syncytial virus RSV. To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any warnings regarding this disease.
Although it is not a new disease, the number of cases has increased in China, leading to many hospitalizations. According to Phu, the reason for the increase in cases is that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people infected with HMPV has decreased, leading to a decrease in community immunity. Meanwhile, the disease caused by the HMPV virus is an annual disease. It is a common respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections, especially in winter and spring, similar to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza.
-Therefore, when the virus season develops, alongside limited outbreak prevention measures, community immunity wanes, leading to a recent increase in cases.
Mr Phu also stressed that these are normal and non-dangerous viruses, so people should not be too panicked. However, you should also pay attention to disease prevention, such as other respiratory diseases.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the HMPV virus. Therefore, Mr. Phu recommends that people take preventive measures such as preventing COVID-19 and other infectious respiratory diseases such as: wearing a mask, washing hands regularly with soap, and maintaining personal hygiene. When you have symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, etc., you should limit your travel to crowded places or public places to avoid transmitting the disease to other people; cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze; Avoid sharing cups and cooking utensils with others. Healthy people who come into contact with people showing signs of illness should wear masks.
In particular, Vietnam must continue to monitor information from the WHO in order to have alerts and appropriate responses, without worrying too much but also without being subjective in preventing epidemics.
