HMPV in China no cause for alarm says Prof. Jeewandara

Monday, 6 January 2025 03:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Health Ministry closely monitoring situation in China
Says HMPV is a ‘winter occurrence’

University of Sri Jayewardenepura Immunology, Allergy and Molecular Medicine Department Director Prof. Chandima Jeewandara

University of Sri Jayewardenepura Immunology, Allergy and Molecular Medicine Department Director Prof. Chandima Jeewandara confirmed that the new wave of respiratory infection – human metapneumovirus (HMPV) – spreading in China is not a cause for alarm.

While foreign media warning of another health crisis with China facing a rapid spread of HMPV and hospitals overwhelmed with patients, Prof. Jeewandara claimed it as a ‘winter occurrence.’

HMPV, a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms, similar to Coronavirus and first reported in 2001, has emerged five years after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Videos and social media posts showing people wearing masks and protective gear similar to during the COVID-19 pandemic and crowded hospitals in China circulated widely, making people panic over the spread of another global health disaster.

“According to available literature, respiratory infections are common during winter and typically not a cause for alarm,” Prof. Jeewandara said.

He stated that while some social media posts describe a crisis, Chinese authorities and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have not declared a state of emergency yet.

Prof. Jeewandara further clarifying the situation says that while HMPV is driving a rise in respiratory infections, it is neither a new virus nor a looming threat. “Seasonal spikes are expected particularly as people are re-acclimating to common pathogens after COVID-19 lockdowns.”

According to Prof. Jeewandara, HMPV typically clears up within a week and it is important for young children, older adults, and those with existing health conditions to stay cautious.

Meanwhile, the Epidemiology Unit (EU) of the Ministry of Health has announced that it is closely monitoring the situation in China and its rapid spread.

EU Consultant Epidemiologist Dr. P.C.S. Perera said that the Health Ministry’s Quarantine Unit was closely monitoring airports and conducting tests.

He said that the Medical Research Institute (MRI) had necessary medical equipment to diagnose HMPV cases.

Dr. Perera also confirmed that it is not a serious disease and shows typical influenza-like symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough, nasal blocks, and fever.

Symptoms of HMPV

Cough and runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, wheezing, or shortness of breath in severe cases. In some cases, the infection can escalate to bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma.

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