Shockingly, there is a new virus outbreak in China! 5 years after the COVID-19 crisis, China faces a new virus wave. This new virus, called Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV, is spreading very quickly. It is causing very similar symptoms to the COVID- 19 and flu. There are reports and social media posts about hospitals being crowded and crematories being busy. The main effect of these viruses is causing severe breathing problems. Other symptoms are like the flu or common cold including high fever, runny nose and coughing, which can even cause severe and fatal health issues like bronchitis or pneumonia. According to the reports, these viruses are mainly affecting kids and older adults, but they can affect anyone, especially people with low immunity and/or breathing illnesses. The HMPV virus is highly contagious. They spread through the droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, similar to Covid-19. Therefore, crowded & concealed areas are of high risk. Yet, China is not telling how serious the problem truly is. Neither the Chinese government nor the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued any alerts or said that it is a state of emergency. An official from China’s disease control authority said that they are expecting various respiratory infections during the current winter and the upcoming spring season. Therefore, the Chinese authorities are preparing methods to deal with this outbreak to be prepared, unlike they were not 5 years ago when COVID-19 happened. So, the question is, is there are possibility of another COVID-19-like epidemic? Unlike COVID-19, HMPV is not a new virus for humans. It has been known for over 20 years and is not just limited to China. Apart from China, Malaysia has also reported a concerning increase in the number of its HMPV cases. In 2023, Malaysia reported 225 HMPV cases but by the end of 2024, the number increased by 45%, and Malaysia registered 327 cases of the HMPV virus. Experts are saying that even the cold weather is one of the reasons this virus is spreading so quickly. While Malaysia’s Health Ministry emphasized that HMPV is not a new disease, it yet urged its public to practice preventive measures, including frequent handwashing with soap, wearing face masks, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent the virus from spreading. And, what’s the situation like in India? Currently, no reports of HMPV have been reported in India. Indian health experts said that HMPV has been observed in India multiple times, especially during winters and also assured there is no reason to panic as the virus is well-known and typically mild. Yet, the Indian Health Ministry has ordered the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to increase the number of laboratories testing for HMPV and monitor trends throughout the year, as a precautionary measure. The ministry also reassured the public that current conditions are not a cause for alarm as measures are already in place to monitor and manage respiratory illnesses effectively. This means, that even though people online are saying there is a new pandemic, there isn’t. At least not yet. Still, it is recommended to follow basic precautions to avoid falling ill including:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. 

• Avoid touching your face if your hands are unwashed.

•  Stay at a safe distance from people, especially those who show signs of illness. 

• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. 

Stay safe and share this video with your family and friends as well so that they too know everything there is to know about the alleged HMPV outbreak.

Tags

• hmpv virus
• china
• new virus
• pandemic

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