Good News, China Reports A Decline In HMPV Cases After Being Worried About Becoming A Pandemic

Pandemic Prevention (Pexels/zydeosika)

JAKARTA - Cases of human virus infection metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China have decreased. This was conveyed by local health officials, after concerns that the virus could potentially become a new pandemic. Researcher at China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wang Liping, said that the northern China region had experienced a decline in HMPV case patients. Likewise, cases of patients under 14 years have also decreased. Currently, the number of positive cases of human metapneumovirus fluctuates, and the number of positive cases in the northern province has decreased. The number of positive cases among patients aged 14 years and under has begun to decline,'' said Wang Liping, quoted from SCMP, on Tuesday, January 14. In the report, it was also confirmed that HMPV was not a new virus. This virus was discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, and the medical treatment of the virus is currently better. Human metapneumovirus is not a new virus, and it has existed among humans for at least a few decades,''' he said. HMPV belongs to the same family as the respiratory syncy virus (RSV), which causes symptoms such as flu or colds, fever, coughs, and nasal congestion. Symptoms can disappear by itself, although it can cause severe symptoms in children, the elderly, and those who have a weak immune system.

Meanwhile, HMPV cases in China are expected to continue to decline gradually from mid to late January 2025. However, experts advise the public to remain vigilant. As is known, there are no vaccines or drugs that can cure HMPV. Experts recommend taking steps to prevent transmission, starting from washing hands regularly, avoiding crowds especially if someone is sick, and wearing masks in public places.