New Delhi:
As photos and videos emerge on social media showing hospitals in China being overwhelmed with people amid rising cases of human metapneumovirus or HMPV – a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to flu – there are serious concerns about a new health crisis after COVID-19.
However, Beijing has downplayed the developments in recent days, portraying them as an annual winter event.
While international reports warned travelers to reconsider their travel plans to China for the time being, Beijing issued a press statement to allay such concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday that “respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season.”
Reassuring citizens and tourists, she said, “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners who come to China,” adding that “it is safe to travel in China.”
When asked about overcrowded hospitals and reports of an increase in respiratory diseases, she said: “The diseases appear to be less severe and spreading on a smaller scale compared to the previous year.” She also urged citizens and tourists to consult the guidelines of China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
In recent days, there has been a sudden spike in respiratory illnesses across China, reminding people of a similar surge during COVID-19. Media in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and Japan also warned their citizens to be aware of the situation in China and take necessary precautions.
Hospitals in China have been overwhelmed by cases of HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19.
WHAT IS HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS or HMPV
HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to serious breathing problems, especially in children and vulnerable groups. It is a respiratory virus that causes infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. The disease was first identified in 2001, but no vaccine has yet been developed to prevent it.
The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of the flu, such as coughing, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. However, in severe cases, the virus can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Depending on how severe a case is, the incubation period usually lasts 3-7 days and full recovery may take a few more days.
HMPV is a communicable disease, meaning it can spread through the air as well as through touch. Coughing or sneezing can spread the disease. The virus remains active on the surface of objects at room temperature, so touching such an object can also lead to getting the infection.
It’s similar to Covid in many ways. Some similarities are that they are both respiratory diseases and lead to coughing, fever, congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath. They both spread through respiratory droplets.