New virus infection in China again, fear of pandemic
Last Updated on January 5, 2025 6:46 am
A new infectious virus has emerged in China, the birthplace of the deadly coronavirus. It is called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Various reports and posts on social media say that the pressure on hospitals and crematoriums is gradually increasing.
It is being claimed on social media that not only this Metapneumovirus, but several other viruses have spread at the same time. Outbreaks of influenza, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Covid-19 have also occurred at the same time. Rumors of declaring a state of emergency in China have also spread, although the country has not officially confirmed it.
Metapneumovirus usually causes flu-like symptoms and can also show symptoms similar to Covid-19. The number of patients with pneumonia and ‘white lung’ is increasing in children’s hospitals. Health officials are intensifying surveillance to deal with this situation.
According to a report by Reuters, China’s disease control authorities have launched a pilot surveillance system to detect unknown causes of pneumonia. Respiratory diseases are expected to increase in winter. The new system will help prepare for unknown diseases in advance.
China’s National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention said the new detection method will allow laboratories to report and disease control agencies to verify and deal with them. From December 16 to 22, the number of cases of acute respiratory disease increased significantly, an official statement said.
The rate of metapneumovirus infection among children under the age of 14 is increasing in northern Chinese provinces. In an interview, a respiratory expert said that there is no vaccine or effective drug for human metapneumovirus. Basically, treatment is based on assessing each symptom and relieving it.
Source: NDTV