As photos and videos emerge on social media showing hospitals in China filled with people amid rising cases of human metapneumovirus or HMPV – a respiratory disease with symptoms similar to the flu – following COVID-19 There are serious concerns of another health crisis.
However, Beijing has downplayed the developments in recent days and portrayed it as an annual winter event.
As international reports cautioned travelers to reconsider their travel plans to China for the time being, Beijing issued a press statement to address such concerns. “Respiratory infections peak during the winter season,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday.
“I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners visiting China,” she said, reassuring citizens and tourists that “travelling in China is safe”.
When asked about reports of overcrowded hospitals and an increase in respiratory diseases, he said, “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale than last year”. He also urged citizens and tourists to refer to the guidelines issued by China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.
There has been a sudden increase in respiratory illnesses across China over the past few days, reminding people of a similar increase during COVID-19. Media in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and Japan also cautioned their citizens to be aware of the situation in China and take necessary precautions.
Hospitals in China have been overwhelmed with cases of HMPV, influenza A, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.
What is Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV?
HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can cause serious respiratory problems, especially in children and vulnerable groups. It is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections. The disease was first identified in 2001, however, no vaccine has been developed to prevent it.
Symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of flu, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. However, in severe cases, the virus can cause complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Depending on how severe the case is, the incubation period usually lasts 3-7 days and complete recovery may take some more time.
HMPV is a contagious disease, which means it can spread through the air as well as by touch. It can spread by coughing or sneezing. The virus remains active on the surface of objects at room temperature, so even touching such an object can pose a risk of infection.
It is similar to Covid in many ways. Some similarities are that they are both respiratory diseases and cause cough, fever, congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath. Both of these spread through respiratory droplets.