Concerns are mounting as the Covid-like HMPV virus spreads across Asia

As respiratory diseases rise alarmingly in China, there are complaints of overburdened hospitals and overburdened health systems. Health experts are particularly concerned about the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus in other parts of the region that affects a number of Asian countries.

According to China’s health authorities, the virus is spreading across the northern regions of the country. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that northern China is worst affected. HMPV, which can infect people of all ages, is most common in children, raising additional public health concerns.

Although reports on social media describe a critical situation, neither Chinese officials nor the World Health Organization (WHO) have declared a state of emergency at this time.

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Still no vaccine against virus discovered 20 years ago

The outbreak has raised awareness of the need for preventive measures, especially since there is no vaccine against HMPV despite the virus being known for nearly two decades.

Health experts are urging vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to limit the spread of the virus. The public has been advised by the authorities to wash their hands and wear masks and other precautions.

Authorities across Asia are closely monitoring the flu outbreak and respiratory virus spreading in China. Regions around China are implementing strict surveillance measures. Hong Kong, for example, has reported very few cases.

Meanwhile, Japan’s health authorities are actively working to solve the problem. After a significant flu outbreak, Japan reported thousands of cases nationwide, as reported by local media on Saturday. According to Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 94,259 flu patients were reported in the week to 15 December across 5,000 hospitals and clinics across the country. The total number of cases in Japan for the current season has now reached 718,000.

What is HMPV virus?

According to Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), belonging to the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus, is an enveloped single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus.

In 2001, it was first discovered by Dutch researchers in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples of children with respiratory tract infections caused by unknown pathogens. Serological studies have shown that it has existed for at least 60 years and has been distributed worldwide as a common respiratory pathogen.

HMPV outbreak in China: Symptoms, spread and what you should know

What is the mortality rate of HMPV infection?

Children, immunocompromised populations, and the elderly are susceptible, and they are more likely to be co-infected with other respiratory viruses. HMPV often causes common cold symptoms, manifested as cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing, but can sometimes result in bronchitis and pneumonia in severe cases.

In susceptible individuals with underlying medical conditions, HMPV infection can lead to death. Based on data from an article published in Lancet Global Health in 2021, one percent of acute lower respiratory tract infection-related deaths in children under the age of five can be attributed to HMPV. Currently, there is no vaccine or effective medication against HMPV, and treatment is mostly focused on relieving symptoms.