outbreak of metapneumovirus in China: how dangerous is it and how to treat it » src=»/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/85eb4d37798ec0649a21c613a0f0567e.jpg» alt=»Outbreak of metapneumovirus in China: how dangerous is it and how to treat it» width=»100%» />
A new virus outbreak in China. The National Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported the spread of human metapneumovirus.
At the end of December, epidemiologists collected samples from several hospitals across the country and found that cases of acute respiratory infections, including influenza and rhinovirus, were actively rising in various provinces, with the most concerning trend being the increase in metapneumovirus cases.
Metapneumovirus is one of the viruses that causes respiratory illnesses. It most commonly affects children under the age of 14. Occasionally, it can lead to pneumonia, but it is not a coronavirus, which had no immunity in the population and caused severe pneumonia by affecting the lower respiratory tract.
There is nothing particularly alarming about metapneumovirus, health professionals assure. Such outbreaks occur periodically, especially after the coronavirus, which prompts immediate close monitoring of any viral outbreaks.
Metapneumovirus infection, doctors report, is associated with damage to both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
It presents similarly to an acute respiratory infection: with a runny nose, cough, and fever. In children and immunocompromised patients, metapneumovirus can cause bronchitis.
However, this illness does not require any special treatment. It is a seasonal disease that tends to spike when immunity decreases, particularly as more people gather indoors.
Human metapneumovirus is a common virus. Its only distinction is that it is most prevalent among children.
There are no specific medications; only symptomatic treatment is recommended. If there is a high fever, we reduce it; if there is a sore throat, we drink something warm and ventilate the room.
The key is to avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands or putting your hands in your mouth, as mucous membranes are very susceptible to the viruses present on our hands.