A new rise in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has officials in northern China urging caution as the Lunar New Year holiday approaches. The virus typically causes cold-like symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and a runny nose.
According to data from China’s state news agency Xinhua, HMPV cases have been climbing steadily since mid-December, with significant increases in outpatient and emergency visits. Experts predict further rises as holiday travel intensifies.
However, officials note that the surge aligns with seasonal patterns for respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV. To reduce the risk of infection, health experts recommend washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowded spaces, avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms, and staying home if feeling unwell.
It’s worth noting that HMPV differs from COVID-19 in key ways, including not being a novel virus and having widespread population-level immunity. Chinese officials have assured the public that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed, but are implementing a new monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin to strengthen early detection efforts.
Source: https://dailyvoice.com/ma/northampton/virus-outbreak-in-china-sparking-concerns-heres-what-to-know-about-hmpv