China is currently facing a still little-known virus. Many people who contracted the virus in northern China are flocking to hospitals, causing overcrowding in several Chinese hospitals.
The virus in question is believed to be HMPV, or human metapneumovirus. It is a virus that can cause flu-like symptoms, such as cough, fever, and stuffy or runny nose, in people of all ages.
Virologist Marc Van Ranst raises a hypothesis in Het Nieuwsblad: “The reason why so many people end up in the hospital there is that the virus has hit very hard. But also because it is currently very cold in the northern China, which is particularly affected. Children, the elderly and people with underlying illnesses are therefore particularly vulnerable.
HMPV, recently discovered, has neither a vaccine nor specific treatment. Patients should manage their symptoms like the flu and stay at home to limit the spread. But for now, there is a lack of reliable information from Chinese authorities on the extent of the epidemic.
(MaSi/Source: Het Nieuwblad/Photo: Pixabay)
