CDC is monitoring a possible outbreak of HMPV in China
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring reports of the increase human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.
Discovered in 2001, HMPV is common but underdiagnosed because of its similarity to the common cold, according to the CDC.
Cases of the virus in the United States are at “pre-pandemic” levels and are not currently a “cause for concern,” but there is a large increase in cases of the virus. north china, According to Beijing media, especially in children under 14 years old.
Chinese government officials said the reported spike coincided with the seasonal illness and appeared to be less severe than other years.
The CDC said cases of the virus are at “pre-pandemic” levels in the U.S. and are “not a cause for concern at this time.” (XNM)
“Respiratory infections peak during the winter season,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Dr. Eileen SchneiderA medical epidemiologist in the CDC’s Division of Viral Diseases said HMPV “is associated with approximately 20,000 hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years of age.”
The virus can also cause concern in “older adults and immunocompromised patients.”
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HMPV has symptoms similar to flu and other respiratory viruses. (iStock)
HMPV presentation is usually mild and can include respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and nasal congestion, Schneider said.
“Symptoms are often clinically indistinguishable from infection with other common respiratory viruses influenza and respiratory syncytial virus” he said.
An art teacher paints a poster to raise awareness against the spread of the HMPV virus on January 6, 2025 in Mumbai, India. (Indranil Aditya/Nur Photo via Getty Images)
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There is currently no vaccine or treatment for the virus, the CDC said, but the infection usually improves with rest, drinking fluids and over-the-counter medications.
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