The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) that has spread in China is not new and does not pose a serious threat, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. According to Margaret Harris, WHO spokeswoman, although cases of infection with this virus may increase with the onset of the winter season, its mortality rate is very low.
What is known about metapneumovirus
Metapneumovirus was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the respiratory infections that circulate in the cold season. Symptoms of the disease caused by hMPV are similar to the common cold - cough, runny nose, sore throat. The virus can be more dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including newborns and the elderly. However, as Harris noted, the death rate from it is very low, and it rarely leads to serious consequences.
The situation in China
Chinese authorities have reported that hospital workloads are currently lower than in the same period last year, and no state of emergency has been declared in the country. Metapneumovirus is just one of many respiratory infections, of which seasonal influenza is the most common. Harris emphasized that now the most attention should be paid to seasonal viruses, because they can be more threatening.
Margaret Harris called for simple prevention measures, including wearing masks, improving indoor ventilation and washing hands frequently. She also noted that the risk from the H5N1 avian virus remains low because it does not circulate among humans and is transmitted only through contact with poultry or farm animals.
The situation in Ukraine
The Public Health Center of Ukraine reported that the situation with metapneumovirus in the country is under control. According to the latest data, 13 cases of the disease have been recorded in Ukraine, which pass more easily than the flu and rarely lead to complications.
