Rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China have sparked concern, but health experts say a repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely. HMPV is a common respiratory virus that typically affects young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
Medical experts have maintained a spike in Chinese HMPV cases does not necessarily mean the world is facing a repeat of COVID-19 , although health authorities are 'watching closely' to ensure the virus has not developed a more virulent strain.Health experts are 'watching closely' as China struggles to control a spike in human metapneumovirus ( HMPV ) cases, although they maintain the outbreak is unlikely to develop into a repeat of COVID-19 .
HMPV is a flu-like virus which is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and the immunocompromised. Common symptoms including coughing, fever, a blocked nose, and shortness of breath, but the virus can also develop into more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Chinese state media has reported rising cases of HMPV over the past several weeks, while social media in the country is awash with images and videos of packed hospital waiting rooms. Chinese state media has reported rising cases of HMPV over the past several weeks, while social media in the country is awash with images and videos of packed hospital waiting rooms. Picture: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images, leading health authorities in China and some surrounding nations to issue public reassurances about the risk posed by the flu-like virus. Speaking to Skynews.com.au on Wednesday, epidemiology chair at Deakin University Catherine Bennett also sought to downplay the threat posed by HMPV to other nations. 'This is not a new virus but rather one that we have seen before and which contributes to our seasonal respiratory disease, especially in the very young and very old,' she said.
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