Human metapneumovirus outbreak reported in China

Respiratory samples taken from hospitals between Dec. 23 and 29 tested positive for influenza virus , human metapneumovirus and rhinovirus, the CHINA Disease Control and Prevention Administration said .

The study found that acute respiratory infections are currently spreading rapidly within the country. In particular, the incidence of metapneumovirus is increasing among children aged 14 and younger, with the greatest incidence in the northern provinces.

The Independent reported earlier that China is experiencing a surge in respiratory viruses, leading to hospitals being overwhelmed. Cases of a virus identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have risen sharply in northern China this winter, with a particularly strong prevalence among children.

Metapneumovirus causes symptoms similar to the common cold and flu. Although the disease is usually mild, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, especially in infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, the publication notes.

In late December, the Taiwanese publication Money UDN wrote that the mortality rate caused by metapneumovirus reaches 43%. Unlike covid-19 , which has reagents for rapid screening, there are very few reagents for testing for the human metapneumonia virus, the portal noted. In addition, there are currently no antiviral drugs for the treatment of this virus; only supportive therapy can be prescribed for the disease.

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