Australians have been told not to panic over an outbreak of the respiratory infection metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is reported to be overwhelming hospitals in China. Experts are closely monitoring the situation.
Beijing has downplayed footage of overcrowded waiting rooms and wards posted on social media, saying respiratory infections are "less severe" and "smaller in scale" compared to last year. However, experts are concerned about the rapid spread of the new virus from China to Europe, which is disturbingly similar to the path of Covid-19 in the northern winter of 2019/20, and was initially played down by Chinese authorities.
Data from the UK shows a surge in HMPV cases in recent weeks. According to virus monitoring data from the UK Health Security Agency, as of December 23, 10% of children tested for respiratory infections in hospitals were found to be positive for HMPV.
Epidemiologist Professor Catherine Bennett said the virus was already in Australia, but she insisted it posed no immediate threat, as it was summer, when outdoor lifestyles and ventilated homes limit the spread of respiratory infections. "It’s important for people to know that it’s here," Professor Bennett said. "It’s responsible for the respiratory illness that we had in our winter."
HMPV typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold, including a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, a sore throat, and fever that clear after around five days. However, more severe symptoms such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia can occur, with sufferers experiencing shortness of breath, severe cough, or wheezing.
There is no vaccine yet or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, and treatment primarily involves managing symptoms. HMPV spreads through tiny droplets that are expelled by the infected when they breathe, but to a far greater extent when they cough and sneeze. Infection can occur when people close by breathe in these droplets or by touching surfaces contaminated with them, like door handles, and then going on to touch their face or mouth.
People with HMPV can also spread the virus while suffering no symptoms themselves, as they are contagious before they begin to feel ill.
Experts have cautioned that HMPV, which produces flu-like symptoms, can lurk in the body for days and so it can be easily passed on to others.
Professor Bennett warned that it is crucial to remain actively involved in monitoring the spread of the illness in China, as viruses continually evolve over time. "The reason other countries are monitoring the situation is to check for any unusual increase in cases – more than what is typically seen," she said. "They want to ensure that the virus hasn’t changed or that our vulnerability hasn’t increased."
Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious disease specialist, said it was vital for China to share its data on this outbreak in a timely manner, including data about who is getting infected.
Dr. Andrew Catchpole, a virus expert, noted that while HMPV "does mutate and change over time with new strains emerging," it is "not a virus considered to have pandemic potential." Promisingly, Dr. Catchpole said that while the current outbreak in China was concerning, it was not likely to cause a global crisis.
Professor Bennett reassured the public that the HMPV outbreak posed no significant threat in Australia at the moment, as it was summer here – a season less conducive to respiratory infections. "This is very different to the COVID-19 pandemic, where the virus was completely new in humans and arose from a spill-over from animals and spread to pandemic levels because there was no prior exposure or protective immunity in the community," she said.
Dr. Jacqueline Stephens, an associate professor in public health, agreed, saying, "We’re just more cautious of outbreaks now. Everyone is hypervigilant, and you hear this term human metapneumovirus and it sounds kind of scary."
Conclusion:
The current outbreak of HMPV in China has raised concerns about the rapid spread of the virus, but experts are urging caution, noting that the virus is not new to humans and has been known to cause respiratory illnesses for years. The key takeaway is that HMPV is not a new virus and is not likely to cause a global pandemic.
FAQs:
- What is HMPV?
HMPV is a respiratory infection that can cause symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, a sore throat, and fever. - How does HMPV spread?
HMPV spreads through tiny droplets that are expelled by the infected when they breathe, but to a far greater extent when they cough and sneeze. - Is HMPV a new virus?
No, HMPV is not a new virus and has been known to cause respiratory illnesses for years. - Can I get HMPV?
Yes, you can get HMPV, but it is more likely to occur in the winter months when outdoor lifestyles and ventilated homes are less common. - Is HMPV a serious illness?
While HMPV can cause serious symptoms, it is not typically a life-threatening illness.
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