China says HMPV is a winter phenomenon, which is less severe
New Delhi: The country’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the Covid-like Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) currently spreading in China is only a ‘winter phenomenon’, is less serious and is spreading on a smaller scale.
The statement comes as pictures and videos emerged on social media showing China’s hospitals filled with people amid rising cases of hMPV – which causes the respiratory illness – and another pandemic similar to COVID-19 are raising serious concerns.
Speaking to reporters, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning called it an annual occurrence in winter and assured that the country is safe to visit. “Respiratory infections peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere. Recently, China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration held a press conference to share information about the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in China during winter,” Ning said. He added, “The diseases last year Moreover, assuring the safety of citizens and tourists, she said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government is fully protecting the safety of Chinese citizens and foreigners visiting China. Cares about health”, he said “It is safe to travel in China”.
Over the past few days, there has been a sudden increase in respiratory illnesses across China, reminding people of a similar increase before Covid was confirmed. Media in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and Japan also cautioned their citizens to be aware of the situation in China and take necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, Indian health officials have also assured that there is no need to worry. Speaking to the media, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goyal said, “The spread of HMPV in China is like any other respiratory virus.” “There is no need to worry about the current situation,” he said. , The disease can cause “flu-like symptoms” in the elderly and very young children, the expert said. HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are majorly affected.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms commonly associated with hMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and trouble breathing. Its incubation period is reportedly between three and five days. Wearing masks, washing hands frequently and boosting immunity can help prevent the disease. HMPV was found in the Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada, the United States, and China in 2023.
