Covid-Like HMPV Virus Spreads Across Asia - Concerns Arise
There have been complaints about overcrowded hospitals and overworked healthcare systems in china as respiratory infections have dramatically increased. The spread of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that affects several Asian nations, is a particular concern for health specialists.
The virus is spreading throughout China's northern regions, the country's health experts said. Northern china is most afflicted, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Further public health issues are raised by the fact that HMPV is more prevalent in youngsters, but it can infect persons of all ages. The World health Organization (WHO) and Chinese officials have not yet declared a state of emergency, despite reports on social media describing a dire situation.
The virus that was discovered 20 years ago still has no vaccine.
Since there is currently no vaccination for HMPV, despite the virus being known for almost 20 years, the epidemic has increased awareness of the importance of taking preventative action.
To slow the virus's spread, health professionals are advising caution and following public health recommendations. Authorities have encouraged the general public to wear masks, wash their hands, and take other safety measures.
The flu pandemic and the spread of the respiratory virus in china are being closely monitored by authorities throughout Asia. China's neighboring regions are putting stringent surveillance systems into place. For instance, there have been relatively few occurrences documented in Hong Kong.
In the meanwhile, the problem is being vigorously addressed by Japan's health officials. local media in japan reported hundreds of cases nationwide following a major influenza epidemic on Saturday. In the week preceding december 15th, 5,000 hospitals and clinics nationwide recorded 94,259 flu cases, according to japan Broadcasting Corporation. As of right present, japan has 718,000 cases overall for the current season.
The HMPV virus: what is it?
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) states that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an enveloped single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus that is a member of the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus.
Dutch researchers discovered it for the first time in 2001 in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples of infants who had respiratory illnesses brought on by unidentified germs. According to serological research, it has been a prevalent respiratory pathogen with a minimum of 60 years of existence worldwide.
How many people die from HMPV infection?
Elderly people, children, and immunocompromised groups are particularly vulnerable, and they are more prone to co-infect with other respiratory viruses. Common cold symptoms, such as cough, fever, congestion of the nose, and wheezing, are frequently caused by HMPV, but in extreme circumstances, it can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis.
HMPV infection can be fatal in vulnerable people with underlying medical issues. According to statistics from a 2021 Lancet Global health article, HMPV is responsible for 1% of acute lower respiratory infection-related mortality in children under five. Since there is currently no effective vaccination or drug to prevent HMPV, therapy mostly focuses on symptom relief.
The virus is spreading throughout China's northern regions, the country's health experts said. Northern china is most afflicted, according to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Further public health issues are raised by the fact that HMPV is more prevalent in youngsters, but it can infect persons of all ages. The World health Organization (WHO) and Chinese officials have not yet declared a state of emergency, despite reports on social media describing a dire situation.
The virus that was discovered 20 years ago still has no vaccine.
Since there is currently no vaccination for HMPV, despite the virus being known for almost 20 years, the epidemic has increased awareness of the importance of taking preventative action.
To slow the virus's spread, health professionals are advising caution and following public health recommendations. Authorities have encouraged the general public to wear masks, wash their hands, and take other safety measures.
The flu pandemic and the spread of the respiratory virus in china are being closely monitored by authorities throughout Asia. China's neighboring regions are putting stringent surveillance systems into place. For instance, there have been relatively few occurrences documented in Hong Kong.
In the meanwhile, the problem is being vigorously addressed by Japan's health officials. local media in japan reported hundreds of cases nationwide following a major influenza epidemic on Saturday. In the week preceding december 15th, 5,000 hospitals and clinics nationwide recorded 94,259 flu cases, according to japan Broadcasting Corporation. As of right present, japan has 718,000 cases overall for the current season.
The HMPV virus: what is it?
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) states that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an enveloped single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus that is a member of the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus.
Dutch researchers discovered it for the first time in 2001 in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples of infants who had respiratory illnesses brought on by unidentified germs. According to serological research, it has been a prevalent respiratory pathogen with a minimum of 60 years of existence worldwide.
How many people die from HMPV infection?
Elderly people, children, and immunocompromised groups are particularly vulnerable, and they are more prone to co-infect with other respiratory viruses. Common cold symptoms, such as cough, fever, congestion of the nose, and wheezing, are frequently caused by HMPV, but in extreme circumstances, it can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis.
HMPV infection can be fatal in vulnerable people with underlying medical issues. According to statistics from a 2021 Lancet Global health article, HMPV is responsible for 1% of acute lower respiratory infection-related mortality in children under five. Since there is currently no effective vaccination or drug to prevent HMPV, therapy mostly focuses on symptom relief.