New Delhi:

As photos and videos emerge on social media showing hospitals in China overflowing with people as cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV – a respiratory disease with flu-like symptoms – rise, there are serious concerns about another post-COVID health crisis. 19.

However, Beijing has played down the developments in recent days, passing them off as an annual winter event.

As international reports urged travelers to reconsider their travel plans to China for now, Beijing issued a press release to address such concerns. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Friday that “respiratory infections tend to peak in the winter season.”

Reassuring citizens and tourists, she said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China.” She added: “It is safe to travel in China.”

Asked about overcrowded hospitals and reports of an increase in respiratory illnesses, she said: “The diseases appear to be less severe and spreading at a lower rate compared to last year.” She also urged citizens and tourists to follow the guidelines of the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration of China.

There has been a sudden spike in respiratory illnesses across China in recent days, reminding people of a similar surge during COVID-19. Media in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, India and Japan also warned their citizens to be aware of the situation in China and take necessary precautions.

Hospitals in China have been overwhelmed by cases of HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19.

WHAT IS HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS or HMPV?

HMPV causes flu-like symptoms and can lead to serious respiratory illness, particularly in children and vulnerable groups. It is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The disease was first identified in 2001, but no vaccine has been developed to prevent it.

The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of the flu, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. However, in severe cases, the virus can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Depending on the severity of the case, the incubation period usually lasts 3-7 days and full recovery may take some time longer.

HMPV is a communicable disease, meaning it can spread through both air and touch. It can be spread by coughing or sneezing. The virus remains active on the surface of objects at room temperature, so even touching such an object can lead to infection.

It is similar to Covid in many ways. Some similarities are that both are respiratory diseases that cause cough, fever, stuffy throat, sore throat and shortness of breath. Both spread via respiratory droplets.