{"id":1906,"date":"2025-01-09T11:52:18","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T11:52:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/retirednurseblog.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/09\/rising-hmpv-cases-in-china-are-what-we-would-expect-to-see-in-winter-health-officials-say\/"},"modified":"2025-01-09T11:52:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T11:52:18","slug":"rising-hmpv-cases-in-china-are-what-we-would-expect-to-see-in-winter-health-officials-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/retirednurseblog.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/09\/rising-hmpv-cases-in-china-are-what-we-would-expect-to-see-in-winter-health-officials-say\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising HMPV cases in China are \u2018what we would expect to see\u2019 in winter, health officials say"},"content":{"rendered":"

As China experiences a rise in respiratory infections this winter, one little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention \u2013 and some people may worry whether the rise in cases could be felt more broadly around the world. <\/p>\n

Human metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, and data from the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released last week shows that the country has seen more cases in recent weeks. <\/p>\n

But HMPV typically circulates in the Northern Hemisphere in winter, and China\u2019s CDC data shows that there have also been rises in a number of other common respiratory infections, including the seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. <\/p>\n

\u201cChina\u2019s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the normal range. It\u2019s what we would expect to see for the winter season,\u201d Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the World Health Organization, said in a news briefing Tuesday. <\/p>\n

To calm concerns, she added that hospital utilization in China is lower than at this time last year and that there have been no emergency declarations or emergency responses launched in the country in connection with these respiratory infections. <\/p>\n

\u201cRegarding human metapneumovirus, it\u2019s not a new virus,\u201d Harris said. \u201cIt was first identified in 2001. It\u2019s been in the human population for a long time. It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring.\u201d <\/p>\n

In the United States, the CDC tracks cases of HMPV in the same way it tracks the spread of other respiratory viruses. It\u2019s estimated that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV; most people will get HMPV at some point before age 5, and then reinfections can occur throughout life. <\/p>\n

Data shows that HMPV cases started to show up more frequently in November and have been rising since. But, compared with other common viruses, the weekly percent of respiratory infections testing positive for HMPV has been low, at 1.94% as of December 28. In comparison, flu was at 18.71% and Covid-19 at 7.10% that week. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s respiratory virus season for a reason. We\u2019ve gotten very accustomed to thinking about those that have been really severe \u2013 so Covid, as well as flu and RSV \u2013 but there are a host of other respiratory viruses out there that you can get sick with,\u201d said Janet Hamilton, executive director of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. <\/p>\n

When it comes to common respiratory infections like HMPV, \u201cmany times, you get better on your own, but not necessarily always,\u201d Hamilton said. <\/p>\n

\u201cTypically, infections are relatively mild, and we often think about it like the common cold,\u201d she added. \u201cMany people don\u2019t necessarily know when they have a common cold that it is caused by human metapneumovirus, but it\u2019s definitely one of the viruses that are often associated with the common cold.\u201d <\/p>\n

Some of the symptoms commonly associated with HMPV infections include cough, fever, stuffy nose and shortness of breath. <\/p>\n

How does the virus spread?<\/h2>\n

HMPV spreads from person to person in a similar way as some other respiratory viruses: through droplets from coughing or sneezing and through touch, such as shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces. <\/p>\n

\u201cSimple measures can prevent spread. And these include, if you\u2019re sick, if you\u2019ve got symptoms, stay home,\u201d Harris said. <\/p>\n

\u201cAlso, if you\u2019re in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, when you know that there\u2019s a virus currently circulating, think about wearing a mask. Improve ventilation where you can,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd of course, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.\u201d <\/p>\n

Who\u2019s most at risk?<\/h2>\n

Some people are at increased risk of severe infections with HMPV, Harris said. <\/p>\n

\u201cIn some cases, like any of the common cold viruses, it can lead to more severe disease in people who\u2019ve got no immunity or have got very weak immune systems,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s the very young. That\u2019s newborn babies \u2013 that\u2019s why you don\u2019t go and visit a newborn baby and kiss it when you\u2019ve got a cold \u2013 and the very old. Again, that\u2019s why you should not go and visit your over-90 great-grandmother in hospital when you\u2019ve got a cold.\u201d <\/p>\n

How is HMPV treated? Is there a vaccine?<\/h2>\n

Health care providers can test for HMPV, but there is no vaccine, and there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat infections. Resting at home and staying hydrated can help with symptoms, as well as some over-the-counter medications. <\/p>\n

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