A WHO spokeswoman said the organization was in contact with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. She said that various respiratory infections, including influenza, RSV, covid-19 and HMPV, have been reported to the WHO, which is typical of winter.
Chinese media began reporting in early December that cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were on the rise, raising global health concerns five years after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in China.
However, Beijing and the World Health Organization have tried to allay concerns in recent days.
HMPV has attracted attention because it has no known name but was discovered in 2001, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, adding that the virus often circulates in the winter and spring.
“The reported number of respiratory infections in China is within the normal range for the winter season. Authorities have said that hospital utilization is currently lower than this time last year. No emergency has been declared and no precautions have been taken,” Harris said, according to Hina.
A spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry said late last week that the illnesses appeared to be less serious and spreading less than last year.
The pathogen usually causes normal cold symptoms. In some elderly people or those with weakened immune systems, HMPV can lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
(Vijesti.ba)
