The rate of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in northern China is declining, according to a health official, amid concerns over a potential pandemic, The Associated Press (AP) reported.
The virus can cause severe respiratory tract infections in children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. I Photo: Jia Minjie, Xinhua
HMPV, which belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), causes flu or cold-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and nasal congestion.
While symptoms often resolve without medical intervention, the virus can cause severe respiratory tract infections in children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
Concerns over a surge in HMPV infections arose after images circulated online showing overcrowded hospitals with masked patients. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that it has not received reports of unusual outbreaks in China or elsewhere, Mainichi Japan reported.
"The human metapneumovirus is not a new virus and has existed in humans for several decades," said Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during a press briefing by China’s National Health Commission.
Wang attributed the recent rise in reported cases to improved detection methods. "Currently, the rate of positive cases in northern provinces is declining, and the rate of positive cases among patients aged 14 and below has also started to decrease," she said.
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