By Nyang’au Araka
A rare virus that attacks human beings is causing panic in China.
Reports show that the Asian economic power house is experiencing a surge of infections caused by the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
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The infections of the respiratory virus have led to overcrowded hospitals in parts of China, according to reports.
It has also seen emergency measures, and caused public concerns.
A spike of the cases has been seen across northern Chinese provinces lately, particularly among children.
This reminds the world of the Coronavirus (Covid 19).
Covid-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China.
It later turned into a global pandemic with seven million deaths reported.
Recently, photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China emerged on social media platforms.
Media reports from the country said the scenes of the outbreak of HMPV were similar to the initial Covid outbreak.
Health authorities are implementing emergency measures to monitor and manage the spread, reports The Independent.
However, Beijing has downplayed the developments as an annual winter occurrence.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season”.
“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” she said.
About HMPV
Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza.
While the illness is typically mild, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia.
It tends to affect infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems more.
The virus is not new but has gained attention amid a surge in cases, particularly in children under 14 in northern China.
First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
The infections have been previously identified in various countries, including the United Kingdom.
Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days.
Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV; treatment primarily involves managing symptoms.
The spike in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically fuel the spread of respiratory viruses.
Health officials emphasize that this surge is consistent with seasonal trends.
China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently reported an increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV, during the winter.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not flagged the situation as a global health emergency.
