Scores of people in China have been rushing to the hospitals in recent weeks wearing masks over what seems to be a viral flu. Photos making rounds on social media have sparked worries of a looming pandemic.
Chinese capital, Beijing has confirmed that the surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is attributed to a seasonal spike, and is more common among children. The HMPV is unlike Covid-19, given that it is an already documented virus that’s been around for decades.
According to public health experts, every child gets infected with the virus on their 5th birthday. However, in some young children and people with weakened immune systems, it can cause more serious illnesses.
The Ministry of Health in Kenya released a statement addressing concerns about the HMPV outbreaks in China. It assured Kenyans that there was no cause for alarm, as the government has the situation under control and are closely monitoring it.
“HMPV is not a new virus and has been documented as a circulating pathoen contributing to respiratory illnesses in Kenya,” the Ministry noted.
Kenya has yet to show any unusual behavior with the virus. Nonetheless, the National Public Health surveillance system is on high alert to detect any changes in respiratory illnesses. So far, there were no abnormalities experienced.
“We are happy to confirm that currently, there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in our health facilities,” the statement read in part.
Kenyans have been requested to maintain good public health practices including regular handwashing and observing respiratory hygiene.
“We request members of the public to remain vigilant, and continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette,” the Ministry cautioned.
What is HMPV and how does it spread?
The Human Metapneumovirus causes a mild upper respiratory tract infection, that is often hard to differentiate from a flu in many people. The first case of HMPV was reported in Netherlands in 2001.
It spreads through direct contact between people or when one touches a surface that’s contaminated with it. Early warning symptoms of contraction include a cough, fever and nasal congestion.
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According to an infectious diseases physician from Singapore, young children under 5 and the elderly, particularly those with advanced cancer, are most vulnerable to the infection.
Among those infected with the disease, a small but significant proportion are likely to be among the immunocompromised, developing more severe diseases where the lungs are affected. They will have wheezing, breathlessness, and croup symptoms.
“Many will require hospital care, with a smaller proportion at risk of dying from the infection,” said the physician.
