Recent reports about an outbreak of human metaneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China have sparked concerns among South Africans about another global pandemic.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a statement saying that the increase in the detection of the respiratory virus, which is similar to common influenza, colds and flus, is to be expected during the Northern hemisphere winter.
“HMPV is a common respiratory virus found to circulate in many countries in winter through to spring. While some cases can be hospitalised with bronchitis or pneumonia, most people infected with HMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and recover after a few days,” said the WHO Disease Outbreak News report.
WHO says it is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns. “Chinese authorities confirmed that the health care system is not overwhelmed, hospital utilisation is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered,” says the WHO report.
Since the expected seasonal increase in the respiratory virus was observed, health advisories have been circulated to the public to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and reduce the impact of these illnesses.
WHO and other health professionals have recommended that individuals in areas where it is flu season take precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens, especially the most vulnerable, such as those with compromised immune systems, the elderly and the young.
These preventative measures include the following:
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow.
- Practise regular handwashing.
- Get recommended booster shots as per physician and local public health authorities’ advice.
- Individuals can also consider wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
Prof Tulio De Oliviera, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation at Stellenbosch University, told eNCA that South Africans did not have to be concerned.
“HMPV is an old virus that was discovered about 40 years ago, but it is known to exist since the late 1950s. It is a respiratory virus that is known to cause common cold, less severe than flu. But in the very young and very old it can cause flu-like symptoms – the normal cold or flu symptoms such as a cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath,” explained De Oliviera.
