The rising cases of common respiratory illnesses in China and elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere are within the expected range for winter and do not indicate any unusual outbreaks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Recent reports about a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a common respiratory infection, in China have gained global media attention, with claims of overburdened hospitals reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic over five years ago.
However, the WHO stated in an announcement on Tuesday evening that it is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received reports of unusual outbreak patterns. Chinese authorities have also informed the UN health agency that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency response has been triggered.
According to Chinese data as of 29 December, infections from hMPV, seasonal flu, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have risen in recent weeks, particularly in northern China. Seasonal flu is currently the most commonly reported cause of illness.
“The observed increase in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogens in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere over the past few weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual,” the WHO noted.
hMPV causes symptoms similar to a common cold lasting a few days but can, in rare cases, lead to hospitalisation, particularly among young children, the elderly, or individuals with vulnerable health conditions. Unlike the virus that caused COVID-19, which was novel, hMPV was first identified in 2001 and has likely been circulating for much longer, according to scientists.
Several other countries, including India and the UK, have also reported an increase in hMPV cases this winter, along with other respiratory infections, following seasonal trends that sometimes put pressure on hospitals.
“Almost every child will have at least one hMPV infection by their fifth birthday,” said Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the UK’s University of East Anglia. Countries have also improved in diagnosing the disease, which may partly explain the rising numbers, he added.
“Overall, I don’t think there is currently any indication of a more serious global issue,” Hunter said.
Also read: Is the world ready for the next pandemic?
Photo source: pulmonaryandsleephealth.com
Source: ANA-MPA-Reuters
