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A disease expert has urged China to share its infection data amid a human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak that has spread to four countries.
Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, associate professor of medicine and infectious diseases expert at the Australian National University, said it was “vital” for China to share information “in a timely manner”.
The virus, which causes flu- or cold-like symptoms, has seen an increase in cases this winter in China’s northern provinces, particularly among children.
Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China have appeared on social media platforms and local media have compared the scenes to the initial Covid outbreak.
India has also stepped up surveillance of HMPV cases after it spread in the country, as well as Malaysia and Kazakhstan.
Indian Health Minister JP Nadda said that “the occurrence of HMPV in India is not new” and that there was “no reason for concern” despite increased testing.
More information needed, experts say
Dr Andrew Catchpole, scientific director of London-based research organization hVIVO, said “more information about the specific strain” of the virus was needed, but experts did not consider it to have pandemic potential. .
“HMPV is usually detected during winter periods, but it appears that serious infection rates are higher in China than would be expected in a normal year,” he said to the newspaper. Evening standard.
“We need more information about the specific strain that is circulating to begin to understand whether these are the usual strains circulating or whether there are differences in the virus causing high infection rates in China. »
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 8:00 p.m.
Experts explain: How concerned should you be about the HMPV outbreak in China?
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 7:00 p.m.
What is HMPV? China steps up surveillance amid new virus outbreak
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 6:00 p.m.
What is really behind the mysterious new virus that is gripping China and the world?
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 5:00 p.m.
More information needed, experts say
Dr Andrew Catchpole, scientific director of London-based research organization hVIVO, said “more information about the specific strain” of the virus was needed, but experts did not consider it to have pandemic potential. .
“HMPV is usually detected during winter periods, but it appears that serious infection rates are higher in China than would be expected in a normal year,” he said to the newspaper. Evening standard.
“We need more information about the specific strain that is circulating to begin to understand whether these are the usual strains circulating or whether there are differences in the virus causing high infection rates in China. »
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 3:56 p.m.
US monitors HMPV cases
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently “monitoring” reports of an increase in human metapneumovirus cases in China’s northern provinces, according to reports.
“The CDC is aware of the reported increase in HMPV in China and is in regular contact with international partners and monitoring reports of an increase in the disease,” a CDC spokesperson said.
“This information does not currently raise any concerns in the United States,” the spokesperson added.
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 2:06 p.m.
What is HMPV? China steps up surveillance amid new virus outbreak
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 2:04 p.m.
No global health emergency
The World Health Organization has not classified the increase in HMPV infections as a global health emergency, but the UN agency continues to monitor the situation closely.
Professor Jill Carr, a virologist at Flinders University, says the HMPV outbreak is very different from Covid, “where the virus was completely new in humans and resulted from spread from animals ”.
“HMPV can certainly make people very sick,” she notes, “but the current situation in China, with high cases of HMPV, is very different from the threats initially posed by SARS-CoV-2. »
Stuti MishraJanuary 7, 2025 12:01
Current situation in China
China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has recently recognized an increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV.
In response, it launched a pilot program to track pneumonia of unknown origin, aiming to improve the identification and management of these cases.
This involves closer coordination between laboratories and health agencies and ensuring rapid reporting of new cases.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Friday that the disease was spreading “on a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”
This mirrors seasonal trends seen in other countries, including the UK, which is seeing similar spikes in respiratory illnesses this winter.
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 11:45 a.m.
Pictured: People wait to be tested for HMPV in China
Alexandre ButlerJanuary 7, 2025 11:30 a.m.
