China Reports Surge in Respiratory Virus Cases; Two HMPV Cases Detected in India
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA, 6 Jan – China has reportedly declared a health emergency due to a seasonal rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) after five years of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the World Health Organisation hasn’t officially confirmed whether China has declared a health emergency.
According to a report by Chinese state-run Global Times, China is witnessing an increasing number of respiratory illnesses this winter, especially among children. The report, citing experts at a press conference held by the National Health Commission (NHC) of China on Sunday, stated “The proportion of severe pneumonia caused by influenza is slightly higher than in previous years.” Doctors and experts alike have advised parents to begin treatment as early as possible to ensure a timely recovery.
The outbreak has triggered high concern in China’s neighbouring countries after the disastrous experience of COVID-19. It has even led many to compare HMPV to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the tension, Indian authorities on 27 December said the situation is under control and that the health ministry is actively monitoring the spread of respiratory illnesses within the country, alongside seasonal influenza trends.
Most recently, The Economic Times has reported two cases of HMPV diagnosed at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The virus was diagnosed in a three-month-old female infant and an eight-month-old male infant, both with a history of bronchopneumonia. The report noted both babies are recovering from the virus.
Some social media users claim that multiple viruses including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19 are circulating in China due to which hospitals are overcrowded and crematories overwhelmed, according to a report by NDTV.
Workers in the health sector say that HMPV is not a new virus as it has already been reported in various parts of the world. Therefore, it cannot be deemed as a dangerous new virus that could wreak havoc. The virus was first reported in 2001.
HMPV is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory system. Older people and children below five years are more vulnerable to this illness. The virus is more common in winter and early spring.
The symptoms of the virus are similar to those of the flu and common cold, including runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and wheezing. The virus may lead to bronchitis and pneumonia in those with weak immune systems. It takes 3-6 days for the symptoms to appear after one gets exposed to the virus.
There are no antiviral therapies or vaccines to prevent HMPV at the moment.
The virus spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing, physical contact with an infected person, and touching the mouth or nose after coming into contact with an unclean surface.
Health officials recommend several key precautions against HMPV infection. These include washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, covering the nose and mouth when someone nearby coughs or sneezes, wearing a mask in crowded places, and ensuring hands are clean before touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. These basic preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
