HMPV Virus Cases Already Exist In Indonesia, But Many Residents Don't Understand

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) informed that there are Indonesian citizens who have been exposed to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus. One of the prevention efforts carried out was by conducting screening at Soekarno Hatta Airport, Tangerang City.

In the midst of concerns, there are still many Indonesians who do not know information about the HMPV virus. One of them is Suryani (46), a fried duck seller in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta.

Suryani admitted that she did not know that the HMPV virus had entered Indonesia, and several cases had been recorded at this time.

"I don't know. In fact, I just found out from my brother," said Suryani when met by VOI in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Wednesday, January 8.

Suryani hopes that the HMPV virus will not be like the COVID-19 virus, which has resulted in the death of many people.

"Yes, hopefully, sir, it's not like COVID-19," he hoped.

When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in Indonesia, Suryani felt very well about the situation. Apart from the many fatalities, the Indonesian economy was also affected.

In fact, Suryani's culinary business was also hampered. Because many residents are afraid to leave their homes.

"When that's the case, bro, it's very quiet to buy. Two years, it's quiet. Hopefully this time it's not like COVID-19," he said.

The same thing was said by Fajar (35), another resident. He also admitted that he did not understand the HMPV virus.

"I don't know, mas," he said.

Fajar also hopes that the virus will not cause casualties.

"Anyway, don't let anyone die. That's all, yes," Fajar hoped.

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus, which recently spread in China, has reportedly arrived in Indonesia. According to information gathered, cases of the HMPV virus are currently found in children.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin asked the public not to panic, because HMPV is not a new virus and is already known in the medical world.

"HMPV has long been found in Indonesia, if you check whether it exists, it's there. I myself saw data in several labs yesterday, it turns out that several children were affected by HMPV," said the Minister of Health in Jakarta, Monday, January 6.