HMPV latest: Chinese health officials give update on virus infection rate

-like human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

There's a report coming from north China that says the virus is calming down, with an official confirming this over the weekend. This news has sparked some unease internationally, with worries of a potential global outbreak.

It is now likely that people are coming down with common cold symptoms such as feeling overheated, a sore throat from coughing, and stuffy noses.

"The human metapneumovirus has been around for many years, and is something we've seen for at least several decades," said Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, during a press conference hosted by China's National Health Commission.

Wang stated that the rise in recent years in the number of instances of the virus, first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, is attributed to enhanced detection techniques.

“At the moment, the rate of cases testing positive for human metapneumovirus is changing, and in the northern areas of the country, the rate of positive cases is going down. Furthermore, it's observed that the rate of positive cases in individuals under the age of 14 is also starting to decrease,” she said.

"No reports have been received of unusual outbreaks in China or elsewhere," it said.

Being a persistent virus, it's been around for decades, and a degree of immunity to it has developed over time. Most youngsters are likely to catch the virus by the time they are five years old.

What are the symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

A guide

In the majority of cases, HMPV brings about only relatively minor illness. As stated by Public Health Scotland, the most frequent symptoms comprise:

• Common cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a persistent cough, a runny or congested nose, and fever or chills.
• asthma flare-ups
• sore throat
• wheezing
• dyspnoea (shortness of breath)

Symptoms of severe infection with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) include:

• Bronchiolitis (inflammation and congestion in the small airways of the lungs in young children and infants)
• Pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs due to infection)

Symptoms usually clear up on their own, but they can sometimes lead to lower respiratory tract infections in children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

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In most cases, HMPV symptoms are mild and typically subside after a week. If you're in good health and not feeling too unwell, you probably won't need to see your doctor.

However, people who are in higher risk categories may want to visit their GP for peace of mind. A trip may also be advisable for those experiencing severe and persistent symptoms similar to the flu. They will be able to diagnose you and provide a test if required.

Mr Wang stated that respiratory diseases currently affecting individuals in China are caused by previously identified pathogens, with no new infectious diseases having emerged.

The number of patients with fevers attending clinics for emergency care across the UK has been increasing but, on the whole, remains below the level seen at the same time last year, stated Gao Xinqiang, deputy head of the Department of Medical Emergency Response within the health authority.

''There's no clear shortfall of medical resources,'' Gao said.

Flu infections across the country are likely to reduce steadily by mid-to-late January, stated commission spokesperson Hu Qiangqiang.

There aren't any vaccines or medicines available for HMPV. Experts suggest taking precautions to avoid contracting the virus and other respiratory illnesses, such as frequently washing your hands, trying to avoid busy areas if possible, and wearing a face mask in crowded locations.

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