What is HMPV: Understanding Human Metapneumovirus, as cases emerge from China | Explained
The HinduThe story so far Last week, China’s diseases control authority said that it was piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, with cases of some respiratory diseases expected to rise through the winter. Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that causes mild infections similar to that caused by a common cold. Health Ministry monitoring situation In light of the reports from China, the National Centre for Disease Control under the Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies, according to official sources “We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly,” official sources said. “The data from December 16-22, indicates a recent rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus ; however, the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year is lower than last year.