China is reportedly at the centre of a new virus just five years after the outbreak of Covid-19. The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is said to be spreading through the country.
Multiple viruses are currently circulating in China – including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae. There has been speculation that Beijing intends to declare a state of emergency, though there has been no official confirmation of this.
HMPV is more common in winter and spring and can cause symptoms similar to flu, affecting the upper respiratory system. But there can be lower respiratory infections in some cases.
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Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath. It spreads between people through coughing, sneezing, or person to person contact.
It is believed the virus incubates from three to six days, Mirror reports. It can last different lengths of time depending on how severe the infection is.
HMPV can cause more severe illnesses, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, asthma, and COPD. Young children, older adults, and immuno-compromised individuals can develop more severe illnesses if infected.
According to NDTV, there are things you can do to prevent contracting HMPV:
- Using soap and water, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds
- When coughing or sneezing, make sure to cover your nose or mouth
- You could also wear a mask and avoid coming into contact with people who are sick.
- Don’t touch your face unless your hands are washed
- Self-isolate if you’re ill
In September, a doctor issued a warning about the lesser-known virus. Doctor Samer Sader, from Carle Health in the US, highlighted the dangers of HMPV.
The medic said it could be fatal for around one in 10 young children who contract the virus. Unlike flu and Covid-19, there are no vaccines or specific treatments available.
Dr Sader said: “The people we do worry about are the people who are getting treatments for cancer, people who are getting treatments for auto-immune disorders, and people who have chronic lung diseases such as bad emphysema, or COPD.” He added: “It’s just a matter of watching for complications.
“We’ll ask patients ‘Does your lung disease get worse? Do you need more medicine? Do you get secondary pneumonia? Do you get in trouble because you’re not eating and drinking enough?’ That’s what we look for.”