The viral disease HMPV is increasing among children in China

Editor’s Note: This is a new story and will be updated.

A viral infection called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is increasing among children in China. according to Chinese state media.

The virus can cause upper respiratory tract infections – such as colds – as well as serious lung infections and is now among the top four viral infections among hospital visitors in China, according to state media.

“HMPV has been recognized as a significant problem for vulnerable populations around the world since the turn of the century when it was first discovered.” Andrew Eastona virology professor at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom who studies pneumoviruses told Live Science in an email. “This risk has not changed significantly in the last almost 25 years.”

However, “it is always concerning to see a change in the incidence or pattern of infection,” Easton added. It is important to investigate potential flare-ups of infection to determine their cause.

What is HMPV?

HMPV belongs to the same family of viruses as Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)a seasonal virus that also causes colds and lung infections. HMPV was discovered in 2001 and is, according to the epidemiologist at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Eileen Schneider, The virus is associated with approximately There are 20,000 hospitalizations in children under 5 years of age in the United States each year.

Common symptoms of the infection include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. However, these can progress bronchitis (inflammation of the air tube that leads to the lungs) or pneumonia (where the alveoli fill with fluid).

According to the CDC, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to severe symptoms.

Related: Who should receive the new RSV vaccines? Here you will find everything you need to know

Should other countries be concerned about HMPV in China?

“HMPV is a serious problem, particularly for very young infants in the first year of life,” Easton said. This also applies to RSV seasonal fluor “flu”. However, he added that the risk posed by HMPV had not changed significantly since its discovery in the early 2000s.

A statement released on December 27 said: Kan Biaothe head of the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention of China CDC, announced that the rate of HMPV among children aged 14 years and under is increasing in China China Daily. This increase in cases was also reported by Reuters. However, the extent and cause of the increase are still unclear.

“It is important to be able to detect changes in infection patterns and then identify the possible causes,” Easton said. “(We need to) assess whether it is a change in the behavior of the infected individuals that has led to increased exposure or whether it is a change in the virus that has resulted in an increased number of infected individuals.”

It is unlikely that mutations or genetic changes in the HMPV virus are the cause of the reported increase in infections, he said, but additional testing of the virus’s genetic code is needed to rule out that possibility.

Meanwhile, China Daily found that the overall spread of respiratory infections in China was lower this winter than in recent years.

Live Science has reached out to officials and scientists in China for comment on the situation but has not received a response at the time of publication.

How can we protect ourselves from HMPV?

There are no available vaccines against HMPV. Additionally, according to the US CDCThere are no specific antiviral treatments for the virus. Rather, treatment of HMPV is supportive, meaning it aims to relieve symptoms and keep vital functions stable.

According to the CDC, the duration of infection varies from person to person, but is similar to other respiratory infections, including colds.

To prevent HMPV infections, individuals can take the same precautions as with other respiratory viruses.

“HMPV is a respiratory infection that spreads in the same way as other respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19,” Easton said. “We can protect ourselves from HMPV in the same way we protect ourselves from these viruses.”

The CDC recommends the following:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with sick people
Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing
Stay home if you are sick

HMPV is a viral disease that the US health authority CDC continuously monitorsAn increase in the number of infections would therefore become noticeable very quickly.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Breaking News

Dellupodisabato

The viral disease HMPV is increasing among children in China – what is it?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply