- A disease that attacks teenagers has been reported in China
- Despite the difficulties, experts urge not to panic
A disease that attacks teenagers has been reported in China
China has seen an increase in metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases, which causes respiratory infections. According to the Chinese Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention, the number of hMPV cases in the country is on the rise, including among children under 14[1].
Samples for testing were taken from 23 to 29 December[2].
hMPV was first detected in 2001 and belongs to the same family of viruses as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Infection can occur as a mild cold or as a severe illness, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients are said to be particularly vulnerable. In winter, given the seasonal increase in acute upper respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) and influenza, the issue of hMPV transmission becomes particularly acute.
Although the exact extent of the outbreak has not yet been determined, metapneumovirus is already high on the list of most prevalent viruses among patients. Doctors in mainland China have seen hMPV mortality rates as high as 43%, according to Money UDN.
Despite the difficulties, experts urge not to panic
According to experts, the increase in metapneumovirus is a cause for concern, but there is no reason to believe that hMPV is any more of a threat now than in previous years[3].
"Although the virus remains a major problem in vulnerable populations, the risk of its spread has not changed significantly since its discovery," Andrew Easton, professor of virology at the University of Warwick, UK, who studies pneumoviruses, told Live Science in an email.
In the UK, the number of positive hMPV tests has risen to 4.5%, with a 10% increase among children under five, according to an official report.
Doctors in Ukraine have already recorded 13 cases of infection, but experts believe the actual number of cases could be higher.
In Kazakhstan, 30 cases have been officially confirmed, noting that the virus is actively circulating during a seasonal increase in the number of cases of ARVs and influenza infections.
The main symptoms of metapneumovirus
- Cough;
- Runny nose;
- Fever;
- Shortness of breath.
- In some cases, the disease may develop into bronchitis or pneumonia.
To protect yourself from the virus, experts recommend following the standard precautions used to prevent flu and COVID-19:
- Wash your hands regularly;
- avoid contact with sick people;
- cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing;
- stay at home at the first sign of illness.
There is no vaccine against hMPV yet. Therapy is supportive and aims to relieve symptoms and stabilize the patient's condition. Nevertheless, like other respiratory viruses, hMPV is closely monitored by specialists and the World Health Organisation is not yet in a hurry to declare a new global alert.
