Is the HMPV virus spreading in China a cause for concern?

HMPV infections are on the rise in China. India recently announced that it is preparing to respond to the virus. What does the Vietnamese Ministry of Health recommend?

Wearing a mask is also a way to protect your health - Photo: QUANG DINH

The Department of Preventive Medicine - Ministry of Health of Vietnam said it is closely monitoring the development of the epidemic, recommendations of the World Health Organization on the virus that causes pneumonia in humans (Human Metapneumovirus - HMPV).

Many cases of HMPV have been reported in neighboring China.

HMPV is not a new virus.

In Vietnam, Mr. Hoang Minh Duc, Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, said that immediately after receiving the information, the department contacted the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region and the Focal Point for the implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR) of China (China Center for Disease Control and Prevention - China CDC).

"Up to now, WHO has no official information about the epidemic situation in China. At the same time, the reliability and authenticity of the information being spread, such as concerns about another health crisis after COVID-19, has not been verified.

Images of overloaded hospitals in China due to HMPV infections and information about the declaration of a state of emergency or overloaded crematoriums were also shared on social networking sites," said Mr. Duc.

According to the leader of the Department of Preventive Medicine, through the report on the results of key surveillance of acute respiratory infectious diseases in week 52 of 2024 of the Chinese CDC, the samples collected from the outpatient department and emergency department of hospitals recorded the main agents as influenza virus, HMPV and rhinovirus.

Specimens from hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infections showed that the main pathogens were influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and HMPV.

Mr. Duc also informed that on January 4, 2025, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that the respiratory infection spreading in this country is a regular disease, not an unusual medical event, respiratory infections usually peak at this time of year in China.

Speaking with Tuoi Tre, Dr. Than Manh Hung, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that the nature of the HMPV virus is in the same family as the RSV virus.

"Mutations often occur in viruses in general, and the influenza virus itself also mutates. However, the level and location of mutations will determine the toxicity and ability of the disease to spread.

HMPV is a variant of the RSV virus, which has been recorded before and is not too dangerous. However, the virus's ability to mutate occurs frequently, so it is necessary to continue monitoring, not to be too panicked or subjective. If the epidemic develops, there is a risk of rapid spread or toxicity, appropriate recommendations are needed," said Dr. Hung.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre , Mr. Tran Dac Phu, former director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, said that so far, WHO has not had any warning information about this epidemic. According to information from China, this respiratory disease is caused by the common influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus RSV.

"These are normal viruses, not dangerous ones, so people should not panic too much," Mr. Phu affirmed.

Why are cases increasing in China?

Explaining the increase in cases in China, Mr. Phu said it could be due to the fact that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people infected with HMPV decreased, leading to a decrease in community immunity.

Meanwhile, HMPV disease still occurs every year, especially in winter and spring. When the virus develops in the season, along with limited epidemic prevention measures and reduced community immunity, the number of recent cases has increased.

The Department of Preventive Medicine also said that China is currently in the winter season, and respiratory diseases tend to increase during this time. The main agents include seasonal influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus in children - RSV, HMPV.

Based on information recorded from the key surveillance system for acute respiratory infectious diseases, the Department of Preventive Medicine has proactively monitored and supervised information on the development of respiratory infectious diseases in China.

The Department of Preventive Medicine will continue to closely monitor the development of the epidemic situation; closely coordinate with WHO, the focal point for implementing IHR in China, to update information and proactively provide and share complete and accurate information, to avoid confusion and anxiety.

At the same time, do not be subjective or negligent in the face of developments in the epidemic situation, especially in the current winter-spring period with favorable weather conditions for respiratory pathogens to spread.

Mr. Phu also said that Vietnam needs to continue to monitor news from WHO to have appropriate warnings and responses, not to worry too much but also not to be subjective in disease prevention.

Ways to prevent disease

Mr. Phu recommends that people should pay attention to disease prevention like other respiratory diseases. When having symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, etc., they should limit going to crowds and public places to avoid infecting others. At the same time, wash hands with soap and practice hygiene regularly.

When in contact with people showing symptoms of illness, you should wear a mask. In short, you need to prevent diseases such as COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.

Doctor Than Manh Hung also advised that children, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions can develop serious respiratory illnesses. Therefore, when experiencing symptoms of cough, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, etc., people should immediately go to medical facilities for timely examination and treatment.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vi-rut-hmpv-lay-lan-o-trung-quoc-co-dang-lo-20250105225446063.htm