look news india
China HMPV Virus: The outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has raised global health concerns. Which has flu-like symptoms and is similar to COVID-19. Different countries of the world are keeping an eye on this. Also, not paying much attention to the news of spread of flu in the country, China said on Friday (January 3) that the respiratory disease is less serious this winter compared to last year.
China’s Foreign Ministry said that it is safe for foreigners to travel to China. “Respiratory infections are at their peak in winter,” ministry spokesman Mao Ning told reporters in response to a question about the outbreak of ‘influenza A’ and other respiratory diseases in the country.
10 big facts about HMPV virus outbreak in China
Infection and Anxiety:
The HMPV outbreak in China has raised global health concerns. These symptoms are flu-like and similar to COVID-19. Due to which people’s concern is increasing.
Social Response:
Pictures and videos of people wearing masks in Chinese hospitals are going viral on social media. This brought back memories of the Covid outbreak five years ago. Like COVID-19, the outbreak of HMPV has raised concerns of a potential global pandemic.
China’s official statement:
China issued a press statement to address public concerns. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said outbreaks of respiratory infections are common in winter. Also, it is safe to travel in China.
Indian expert’s response:
India’s DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services) officer Dr. Atul Goyal has appealed to the people not to panic about HMPV. He said, it is a respiratory virus like the common cold, which can cause flu-like symptoms in children and the elderly.
Situation in India:
Dr. Elaborating on this, GoLes clarified that there has been no significant increase in the number of respiratory infections in India and no significant number of cases have been reported. The figures for December 2024 have also been normal.
WHO’s response:
WHO (World Health Organization) has not yet issued any official statement on the HMPV outbreak. Apart from this, no emergency has been declared by China or WHO.
A look at the virus:
China’s neighboring countries are keeping an eye on this situation. Some cases of HMPV have also been reported in Hong Kong.
Information from US CDC:
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory infections. Small children, elderly and people with weak immunity can be affected by it.
Speciality:
Symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of flu and other respiratory infections, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.
Severity and Difficulty:
In severe cases of hMPV, it can cause complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.
