EBN- China is experiencing a significant increase in cases of human pneumonia virus (HMPV), raising concerns about the potential for a major health crisis, especially after the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Medical reports and social media posts indicate that hospitals are overwhelmed, according to Tribune Online, as health facilities deal with outbreaks of multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously, including human pneumococcal pneumoniae virus (HMPV), influenza A, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, in addition to the continued spread of COVID-19.
Under these circumstances, many questions are being raised about this virus and its impact on public health in China and around the world.
What is human pneumonia virus?
Human measles virus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that was first identified in 2001 and affects people of all ages. However, it is most dangerous for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
HMPV often causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and can lead to illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Symptoms of human metapneumococcal pneumonia virus (HMPV)
The symptoms of human pneumonia virus are similar to those of many other respiratory viruses such as influenza, making diagnosis more complicated. The most common symptoms include:
Cough
Fever
nasal congestion
shortness of breath
In more severe cases, the disease can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in at-risk groups.
The incubation period of the virus ranges from 3 to 6 days, while symptoms may last for varying periods depending on the severity of the infection. The virus is also transmitted through respiratory secretions such as coughing and sneezing, which increases the risk of its spread between individuals.
Most vulnerable groups
The following groups are considered more susceptible to severe human pneumonia virus infection:
Young children, especially those under five years of age.
Older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients or those with chronic diseases.
Ways of transmission of the virus
Human pneumonia virus is transmitted from person to person in several ways:
Respiratory secretions: Coughing and sneezing release droplets containing the virus, which can easily infect others.
Close personal contact: such as shaking hands or direct contact with a sick person.
Contaminated surfaces: Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your face (mouth, nose, eyes) may lead to infection.
Preventive measures.
To reduce the spread of human pneumonia virus and other respiratory viruses, individuals should take some basic preventive measures:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Wear masks in crowded or high-risk places.
Health response and awareness
Health authorities in China and around the world are closely monitoring the outbreak of human pneumonia virus, emphasizing the importance of vaccination campaigns against other respiratory diseases such as influenza, and raising public awareness about the symptoms of the virus and ways to prevent it. It is necessary to raise awareness about the need to follow preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable groups.
