Nearly five years after the first outbreak of COVID-19, a new outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in China has prompted emergency measures.
A new outbreak in China
China is seeing a surge in cases of the respiratory virus HMPV, leading to overcrowded hospitals, emergency measures, and public concerns about the outbreak.
Chinese authorities have downplayed the current outbreak, however.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.
“The diseases appear to be less severe and has spread on a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” she added.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not yet flagged the current outbreak as a global emergency.
What is HMPV?
First identified in 2001, HMPV is an RNA virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and flu.
Though usually of a mild nature, it can lead to more severe issues such as pneumonia especially in those susceptible such as infants, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems.
It tends to spread through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. The disease has previously been identified in various countries, such as Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
Symptoms are akin to other respiratory illnesses and include fatigue, fever and coughing. Treatment is not necessary and typically just involves managing the symptoms.
Could the outbreak spread to other countries?
Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV, while neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Taiwan are closely monitoring the situation, according to a report from the Independent.
The Independent added that in neighboring India, officials said there was no need to panic because the virus is like any other respiratory disease.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
