China is experiencing a surge in the spread of a new strain of contagious respiratory virus.
The virus, known as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold and influenza.
HMPV, which causes serious consequences such as pneumonia in babies, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, spreads by respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
It causes cough, fever, nasal congestion, and exhaustion, and has a three to six-day incubation period.
The virus was originally reported in the Netherlands in 2001, and it has since spread throughout northern Chinese regions throughout the winter season.
This comes just five years after the world witnessed the emergence of the devastating COVID-19 virus, which killed roughly seven million people.
Hospitals in China are seeing an increase in patients with virus symptoms as the country’s health authorities implement emergency steps to contain the virus.
While the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not declared the virus a global health emergency, the increase in HMPV cases has pushed authorities to strengthen surveillance mechanisms.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated on Friday that the disease is less serious than the COVID-19 virus.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season,” Ning said.
“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”
Unlike COVID-19, there is no vaccine for HMPV yet, its treatment involves managing symptoms.