New Delhi:
China HMPV Outbreak: Corona virus had knocked in the world five years ago. This virus, which appeared in Wuhan, China, put thousands of people to death in no time. Some time passed, the outbreak of the virus subsided, people heaved a sigh of relief, but the news of the arrival of a new virus like Corona in the world, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has taken away everyone’s peace. Everyone is scared. Along with panic, people are also angry about why such viruses emerge from China and is China once again hiding something about this new virus like Corona?
China is battling the new virus Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). There are a lot of pictures of crowded health centers on China’s social media. The outbreak of the new virus can be clearly understood from these pictures. Chinese officials have asked people to wear masks and wash hands frequently.
What is the reason for doubting China?
- China enforces strict censorship laws. This is the reason why the truth does not come out completely from China. In such a situation, China and the Chinese government always remain under suspicion. A few days ago, the World Health Organization had requested China to provide more data and access to understand the origins of the Covid pandemic. After this, China insisted that it had shared information on Covid-19 without hiding anything. WHO published a statement saying it was a “moral and scientific imperative” for China to share more information. Earlier, WHO had repeatedly criticized Chinese officials for lack of transparency and cooperation during the Covid pandemic.
- In addition, last year, seven coronaviruses, three subtypes of influenza and several dozen viruses showing the potential for cross-species transmission and zoonotic spillover were found in fur animals on Chinese farms. This virus can cause epidemic in any country. However, interestingly, after the release of the report in 2024, there has been no update regarding these animal viruses found in China. In such a situation, questions are continuously being raised about China.
- According to reports and social media posts from China, hospitals are filled with infected people and crowding at funeral sites has increased. Many social media users claim that several viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, mycoplasma pneumonia and COVID-19, are circulating in China. Besides, such claims are also being made that China has declared a state of emergency. However, this has not been officially confirmed yet.
What are the symptoms of HMPV?
HMPV causes flu-like symptoms in those infected. This virus usually affects the upper respiratory system. However, sometimes it can also infect the lower respiratory system. It is quite common during winter and early spring season.
Flu or common cold like symptoms are seen in the infected patient. It can spread to other people through coughing, sneezing or personal contact with the patient. Some of its common symptoms include:
- phlegm
- Fever
- nasal congestion
- bad sore throat
- respiratory distress
The period between exposure to the infectious disease and the onset of symptoms can be three to six days. This is called incubation period. This period depends on the severity of the infection.
Are these people at greater risk?
Young children, older adults and people who have weak immune systems are at greatest risk of HMPV. Such people have a higher risk of developing serious disease.
These problems can occur due to HMPV
This is such a virus that due to the seriousness of the disease, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital. Some problems like bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or ear infection may occur.
What to do to reduce the risk?
Some steps can be taken to reduce the risk of HMPV and respiratory diseases, which are as follows:
- To prevent its spread, wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Wear a mask and avoid contact with sick people
- Do not touch eyes, nose and mouth without washing hands
- Practice self-isolation if you are sick
- There is no antiviral therapy or vaccine to prevent HMPV yet.
What is similar between HMPV and Covid-19?
According to WebMD, there are many similarities between HMPV and COVID-19. Both of these cause respiratory problems like cough, fever, sore throat and difficulty in breathing and both the viruses spread through respiratory droplets. In severe cases of infection, hospitalization may be required.
HMPV usually peaks during winter and spring. This is in contrast to COVID-19, which can spread year-round.
Studies show that HMPV cases have tripled in some areas after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. The decline in exposure to the virus during the lockdown is likely to weaken immunity, leading to a rise in respiratory infections after precautions were relaxed.
China started monitoring
This virus is making the world restless. However, WHO in its November bulletin had highlighted the increasing cases in China and said that respiratory infections have been increasing since October. In response, China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration launched a pilot surveillance system aimed at identifying and managing pneumonia of unknown origin. This initiative is designed to improve tracking and response to the increase in winter-related respiratory infections.