HMPV: Panic due to new virus in China, is it more dangerous than Corona?
What are the symptoms of the corona-like virus spreading in China? Who is most at risk? How to protect yourself
• New Virus in China: The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of flu and other respiratory illnesses. Its common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
New Virus Outbreak In China: About five years ago, a disease called Corona virus created panic all over the world. All the countries suffered from it for many years and millions of people lost their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) had declared Corona as a pandemic. This pandemic started from China and now once again a virus has started spreading in China, which has created tension. There is an increase in the cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. Many videos have surfaced on social media and it has been claimed that emergency has been declared in many places.
What is Human Metapneumovirus and how many cases have been reported?
Human metapneumovirus is also similar to some coronaviruses. It is affecting people of all ages, including small children, adults and the elderly. It is a respiratory virus, which was first identified in the year 2001. However, it is now spreading rapidly in China. This virus affects those people more,
⚠️ BREAKING:
— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025
China 🇨🇳 Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.
Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX
whose immune system is weak. Official information has not been given about the number of cases reported in China so far, but a large number of cases have started coming up in Japan as well. In Japan, more than 94 thousand cases were reported in the week ending on December 15, while the total number of cases in Japan is 7,18,000.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of flu and other respiratory diseases. Its common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion and difficulty in breathing. However, when the condition becomes more serious, the virus turns into bronchitis or pneumonia. Once a person is affected by the virus, he can remain ill for three to six days. This virus can also spread to other people due to sneezing and coughing. The symptoms of this virus are mostly the same as those of fever and corona virus.
Indian government is also on alert regarding the virus
💢 #HMPV has been around for years. The symptoms seem to be more severe this year than in previous years (Influenza + COVID-like). The same thing happened in #China in 2023.
— Saikiran Kannan | 赛基兰坎南 (@saikirankannan) January 3, 2025
Most cases are mild, but young children, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems are at a… pic.twitter.com/q2UGiZAmgM
The Indian government has also become alert about this virus spreading in China. News agency ANI quoted official sources as saying that the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry in India is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country amid speculation of an outbreak of HMPV (human metapneumovirus) in China. "We will closely monitor the situation, confirm information and update accordingly," the sources were quoted as saying.
Which people are more at risk from the virus?
Although people of all ages are at risk from this virus, the greatest risk is to small children, the elderly and people whose immune system is not very good. Such people need to be alert about this virus.
How to protect yourself from viruses
Till now its cases have not been reported in India, but the government is fully alert and is keeping a close watch. The only measures to avoid this virus are the ones used for corona. People should wash their hands with soap. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands repeatedly. Maintain proper distance from the person suffering from this disease. If someone feels such symptoms then he should isolate himself. Also, when a person suffering from this virus is sneezing, maintain distance from him. If you are sick, take rest at home.