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Tengrinews.kz - China is facing a new outbreak of a viral disease - human metapneumovirus (HMPV). According to the Chinese Agency for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitals in the northern provinces of the country are overcrowded with patients with symptoms of severe acute respiratory viral infections. Against this background, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan issued a statement and confirmed the first cases of infection with the virus in the country. What is human metapneumovirus, what are its symptoms, transmission routes and how dangerous is it?
Tengrinews.kz - China is facing a new outbreak of a viral disease - human metapneumovirus (HMPV). According to the Chinese Agency for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitals in the northern provinces of the country are overcrowded with patients with symptoms of severe acute respiratory viral infections. Against this background, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan issued a statement and confirmed the first cases of infection with the virus in the country. What is human metapneumovirus, what are its symptoms, transmission routes and how dangerous is it?
What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that affects the respiratory tract and causes inflammation of the upper and lower lungs. The virus was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, but according to some reports, it has been circulating among people since the 1950s.
"Human metapneumovirus is one of the classic viruses that has been circulating in many countries for decades. Strains of this virus have also been identified in Kazakhstan, along with other types of infections that actively circulate in the space during the seasonal increase in acute respiratory viral infections and influenza," the Ministry of Healthcare commented.
How is metapneumovirus transmitted
The main route of transmission of HMPV is airborne. The virus spreads through:
- droplets of saliva when coughing, sneezing, or talking;
- contact with surfaces on which virus particles remain;
- close contact with an infected person.
It is important to remember that the virus can remain active on surfaces and be transmitted by touching the face with hands.
"Metapneumovirus is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets and to a lesser extent by contact-household means. The main symptoms of the infection are cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever, headache. There is no specific treatment, symptomatic treatment is used," the Ministry of Healthcare reported.
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus
Symptoms of human metapneumovirus range from a mild cold to a severe acute respiratory viral infection. The main signs include:
- dry or wet cough;
- nasal congestion and runny nose;
- fever;
- hoarseness and sore throat;
- shortness of breath and difficulty breathing;
- general weakness and fatigue.
Who is at risk
Children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and adults with chronic diseases or immunodeficiency are most susceptible to complications. In these groups, the disease may be more severe.
Treatment and prevention
There is no specific therapy or vaccine against human metapneumovirus yet. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, and prevention is aimed at preventing infection.
Recommendations for prevention:
- avoid visiting crowded places;
- regularly ventilate the premises;
- use antiseptics or wash your hands with soap;
- limit contact with sick people;
- seek medical help at the first symptoms of the disease.
Metapneumovirus in Kazakhstan
Since the beginning of October 2024, 30 cases of human metapneumovirus infection have been recorded in Kazakhstan. The country is experiencing a seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.
The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan calls on citizens to take precautions to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
Meanwhile, President Tokayev spoke about the virus, which has managed to cause concern in society. The Head of State called on citizens not to panic and remain calm.
"Everyone now is talking about a new infection. There is no need to create a stir. We need to further develop cooperation with China," said Tokayev.
Earlier, it was reported that China was faced with a new outbreak of a viral disease - human metapneumovirus. According to media reports, the virus is spreading rapidly, causing hospitals to be overwhelmed with patients.
Then, the chief specialist in infectious diseases of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Professor Vladimir Chulanov, named to RIA Novosti the groups of people at risk of a severe course of metapneumovirus (hMPV).
According to him, children under 5 years of age, adults over 65 years of age and people with immunodeficiency are at risk of severe infection.
