Health officials in China share updates on HMPV as international worries grow over potential outbreaks

Beijing: A health official recently shared that northern China is seeing a drop in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections. This has raised some eyebrows globally, given the pandemic fears.
HMPV is similar to the flu and can cause symptoms like fever and cough. While most people recover without any issues, it can be more serious for kids, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
Wang Liping from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control mentioned that HMPV has been around for decades. The recent rise in cases is mainly due to better detection methods. She noted that the number of positive cases is going down, especially among kids under 14.
Images of crowded hospitals had many worried about HMPV, but the World Health Organization hasn’t reported any unusual outbreaks in China or elsewhere.
Experts say HMPV is different from Covid-19 since it’s been around for a long time, meaning many people have some immunity. Most kids catch it by age five.
According to another health official, the respiratory illnesses currently affecting people in China are from known viruses, with no new diseases popping up. Although more people are visiting clinics, the numbers are still lower than last year.
He also mentioned that there’s no shortage of medical resources. The health commission expects flu cases to gradually decline by mid to late January.
Since there are no vaccines or treatments for HMPV, experts recommend washing hands often, avoiding crowded places, and wearing masks when necessary.