(Image source from: Ndtv.com)
The spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to Covid-19, in China has raised global health concerns. Photos and videos of people wearing masks in Chinese hospitals have emerged on social media platforms, and according to local reports, the HMPV outbreak discovered in 2001 later developed into a global pandemic, similar to the outbreak caused by the new coronavirus five years ago spread of this disease. More than 7 million people died worldwide. The Chinese government issued a press release to address these concerns. “Respiratory infections peak in winter,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday. He reassured people and tourists by saying, "I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China," adding that traveling in China is safe.
India was among the countries worst affected by the coronavirus. Dr. Atul Goel, an official at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), urged people not to panic over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. “There was news of an outbreak of metapneumovirus in China,” said Dr. Goel. “We analyzed data on the prevalence of respiratory infections in the country,” he said. The numbers for December 2024 have not increased significantly and none of our institutions have reported large numbers of cases." The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet issued a statement on the outbreak of the virus in China and neither the WHO nor the Chinese government have declared a state of emergency. China's neighboring countries are monitoring the situation closely. Several cases of HMPV have been reported in Hong Kong.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections. This disease affects people of all ages, but young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible. The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of the flu and other respiratory infections. Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the virus can cause complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
