An outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in northern China has prompted some online alarm, but experts say the risk of another Covid-like pandemic is low.
Cases of human metapneumovirus ( HMPV ) are surging in northern China , where there has been an outbreak of the virus. The disease is a respiratory illness that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.
The country’s center for disease control (CDC) has advised people to take precautions with health and hygiene, but has also pushed back against online claims of overwhelmed hospitals and fears of another Covid-like pandemic. “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday. “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.” The apparent increase in cases is likely partly due to new technology more easily detecting and identifying HMPV, experts told the Guardian. Also, “I think we’re just more cautious of outbreaks now”, said Dr Jacqueline Stephens, a senior lecturer in public health at Flinders University in Australia. “Everyone is hypervigilant, and you hear this term human metapneumovirus and it sounds kind of scary”, she added.
HMPV Outbreaks China Respiratory Illness Pandemic
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