China's HMPV Infection Surges, Similar Symptoms to Flu and Colds...Neighboring countries also have cases
Jan 07, 2025
|
According to foreign media such as Chinese media People's Net and British media The Guardian, 6.2% of all respiratory infections in China tested positive for HMPV from December 16 to 22, 2024. This is more than the number of COVID-19 patients.
The problem is that the number of patients is increasing. Cases are also occurring in neighboring countries such as India, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
HMPV is a respiratory disease that causes flu- or cold-like symptoms, but it can increase the risk or cause more serious complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, especially among the elderly, children, and immunocompromised individuals. The disease, in which outbreaks are concentrated in the cold season, belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and has been present since 2001, when it was first identified in the Netherlands.
The incubation period for HMPV is often 3 to 6 days, and although it is generally easy for everyone to be infected, the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Currently, there are no preventive vaccines and clear therapeutic drugs, and most of the treatment is done with symptomatic therapy according to symptoms.
According to foreign media, cases of HMPV infection are increasing rapidly in northern China, especially among children.
China's Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has warned people to take precautions against health and hygiene.
However, they refute online claims that hospitals are overloaded and fear of another epidemic, such as COVID-19, saying they are `fully controllable.'
"Respiratory infections tend to peak in the winter months," one official said. "It appears to be less severe and spreading on a smaller scale compared to the previous year."
Some argue that the surge in the number of confirmed HMPV cases may be due to new diagnostic technologies.
According to the medical community, personal hygiene should be thoroughly practiced to prevent HMPV.
It is necessary to keep cough etiquette and wash your hands frequently as in the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, people who are sick should rest and high-risk groups are encouraged to wear masks.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
