Misbar’s Analysis
Less than two years after the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, media reports and social media have recently highlighted the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, sparking fears of new lockdown measures, The Economic Times reported.
Despite claims on social media and in news reports that HMPV is spreading rapidly and overcrowding hospitals, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that flu-like cases are spiking across the country, Newsweek said.
What Is China’s HMPV?
HMPV, or human metapneumovirus, is a respiratory illness with symptoms similar to those of the flu or influenza.
While anyone can be infected with HMPV, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to severe symptoms, according to Newsweek.
Is HMPV a Newly Discovered Virus?
HMPV is not a new virus, nor was it first identified in China. The flu-like virus was initially recognized in 2001 by Dutch researchers but has gained more attention in recent years, The Economic Times reported.
What Are the Symptoms of HMPV?
Coughing and fever are the most common symptoms of HMPV, along with a stuffy or runny nose. These symptoms closely resemble those of flu-like illnesses.
In rare cases, HMPV can cause shortness of breath, which may lead to bronchitis (inflammation of the lungs' airways) or pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs).
In the United States, HMPV typically spreads alongside other flu-like illnesses, peaking in late winter and early spring, according to Newsweek.
Is There a Vaccine for HMPV?
There is currently no vaccine for HMPV, unlike COVID-19 or seasonal flu, The Independent reported. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, similar to other flu viruses.
How Does HMPV Spread?
HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing by infected individuals. It can also spread via close contact, such as hugging or kissing, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
How To Avoid Getting HMPV Infection
Health authorities in the U.S. recommend regular handwashing with soap and water to prevent HMPV or other flu-like illnesses. They also advise against touching the face before washing hands.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages Americans during flu season to avoid contact with sick individuals.
Will HMPV Become Another COVID-19 Outbreak?
Currently, no official sources have indicated that HMPV will develop into an outbreak in China. Authorities in China have only reported a spike in flu-like viruses without specifically attributing it to HMPV.
Fears persist, however, that HMPV could follow a similar trajectory to COVID-19, which was first detected in Wuhan, China, in 2019. The virus evolved into a global pandemic, leading to widespread lockdowns and the implementation of vaccines and mask mandates.
According to Reuters, citing the WHO, more than 760 million people have been infected with COVID-19 since 2019, and 6.9 million deaths have been confirmed worldwide.
How Are Countries Reacting to HMPV?
Amid reports of rising HMPV cases in China, other countries have issued guidance to mitigate concerns about another COVID-19-like outbreak.
On January 3, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, said: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. The diseases appear to be less severe and are spreading on a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” The Independent reported.
In Hong Kong, a few cases of HMPV have been detected. In India, Dr. Atul Goel, an official with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), urged calm, stating that HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus that causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young it could cause flu-like symptoms.”
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control warned that children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are the most vulnerable to HMPV.
In Cambodia, the Communicable Disease Control Department issued a statement describing HMPV as having symptoms similar to COVID-19, the flu, and influenza, according to The Independent.
Read More
