Like in the 2020s, China has again become a victim of another pandemic. Reports suggest that China is dealing with the outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). There has been a buzz that our neighbor is batting another epidemic five years after the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. HMPV is a respiratory illness with characteristics similar to those of the COVID-19 virus. People with weak immune systems are most likely to get affected by this outrageous virus.
The country has noticed a notable increase in the victims of this virus, mostly in the northern provinces. It was reported that respiratory diseases are expected to rise during winter. This further prompts the authorities to establish protocols for handling unknown pathogens. This virus can lead to respiratory diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia. This virus has become a significant cause of concern among the people of China.
Symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human metapneumovirus often mimics symptoms of the common cold, runny nose, sore throat, or flu, such as fever, cough, and nasal congestion. HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and leads to severe respiratory problems, among sensitive – young children and vulnerable groups including older adults with weak immune systems. HMPV is an upper respiratory infection. As per reports, symptoms can be as mild as a runny nose, or cough, to as severe as chest pain or difficulty in breathing. It can sometimes cause low respiratory infections like pneumonia, and asthma flare-ups, or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. The virus is known to spread via nose droplets, direct contact, and airborne particles. The duration of the illness can last for days depending upon the severity of the illness. But, the usual incubation period is 3 to 6 days.
History of HMPV
According to the US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) was discovered in the year of 2001. This virus belongs to the Pneumonia family along with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is the most closely related human pathogen to HMPV. Human Metapneumovirus is associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and they may be a trigger for the common disease, asthma. The understanding of the pathogenesis of HMPV is quite a task for the medical and scientific communities. Understanding is a major challenge. Past researches show that HMPV or a virus closely related to it has been circulating for at least 50 years. This research concludes that the virus did not “jump” out of the blue to the human population, rather it was already there.
The Current Condition Of China
As per reports, the country is caught up in a crisis. But, the Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not declared any state of emergency yet. Though, millions are being admitted to the hospitals, and crematories are overwhelmed. Recent detections of rhinovirus and Human Metapneumovirus are concentrated among individuals under the age of fourteen, especially in the northern province of the country. In this era of technology, videos, and pictures are the only visual representations of the crisis faced by the citizens of China. Videos online show extremely crowded hospitals. Social media influencers, also highlight the presence of multiple viruses along with HMPV, i.e. influenza A, Mycoplasma, pneumonia, and Covid-19. China’s disease control authority announced a pilot monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin. The country has again, become the victim of one of the most dangerous diseases. Multiple viruses including HMPV, are overwhelming hospitals.
Many unverified videos are out, that show the amount the people standing in long lines and packed waiting rooms. A social media handle also reported that pediatric hospitals are filled with rising cases of ‘white lung diseases’. Despite this vulnerable condition of people, the authorities are assured that there is no immediate cause for alarm. Human metapneumovirus lacks a specific vaccine or antiviral, making provincial critical. HMPV’s relatability with the deadly COVID-19 virus is a fact of concern in China. The virus can lead to severe respiratory difficulties, that might require prompt medical attention.
Cases in China
Additionally, China has reported a spike in HMPV cases among young children and vulnerable groups within the past few weeks. Further, the officials of China predict a continuous rise in respiratory infection during the seasons like winter and spring. Reports circulating on social media, show the rapid spread of the disease primarily among young children and the elderly. These vulnerable groups are overwhelming and some points claiming to increased strain on the crematoriums.
However, In China, official statements have shown a paradox. Chinese Foreign Spokesperson Mao Ning told the reporters, “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. Her words meant – respiratory diseases are common during winter. The respiratory infections during this season – winter are typical and this year’s cases are comparatively lesser than the medical cases reported the previous year. Her exact statement is “Diseases appear to be spreading on a smaller scale”.
Prevention of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
- Many officials have suggested that washing hands frequently with soap, handwash, and water can prove to be extremely beneficial for the prevention of this deadly virus. Staying hygienic is always the first step. Hands should be washed with water and soap for around 20 minutes.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth area with bare hands. Always use a sanitizer or wash your hands and face properly before touching your face.
- Avoid contact with sick people, or people who have some infection or illness. Staying away or not coming in contact with such people guarantees us lesser chances of falling sick or getting the infections.
- This prevention tip is for people who have cold-like symptoms. People with symptoms like sneezing, nasal blockage, or throat infection must wear masks before stepping out of the house.
- Stay as hygienic as possible. Cleaning your clothes after coming from the market, washing hands frequently with handwash and water, Taking a bath daily, and protecting the bare face and hands with masks and gloves respectively.
Currently, no official vaccine or medications have been approved by the Health Ministry or the officials. No vaccine has been developed either. Following the above list can help an individual. Washing hands regularly and frequently after intervals should be included in the daily routine of an individual.
HMPV and COVID-19 have several similar characteristics and symptoms. Both viruses cause respiratory issues. The issues include coughing, sore throat, wheezing, fever, and shortness of breath.
Conclusion
The public must take general precautions. There are no steps by the World Health Organization (WHO) nor stated the outbreak of the respiratory infection that has resulted in the death of millions in our neighboring country, China. In the past, cases of HMPV were reported in 2011-12 in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In the U.S. the HMPV circulates in distinct annual seasons, the circulations starting with winter and lasting till the spring season.
This respiratory infection can spread through direct contact with an infected individual, or through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close and personal contact. So this can be like touching or the shaking of hands among individuals, touching objects touched by the infected people or surfaces that have millions of viruses. Hence prevention is better than cure.
Stay Safe!