Although HMPV Is Not A New Virus, The DPRD Asks The DKI Provincial Government To Give Understanding To The Community

Prevention of Respiratory Diseases (Pexels/Anna Shvets)

JAKARTA - The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus that has been found in Indonesia is called harmless and not a new virus. Even so, Member of Commission E of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Elva Farhi Qolbina, assessed that the public needed to get comprehensive socialization related to the HMPV virus.

This is needed so that the public can get an understanding of the virus and not cause unrest.

"We realize that HMPV is not a new threat and as explained by the Minister of Health, this virus resembles ordinary and non-lethal flu. However, vigilance is still needed, especially for vulnerable children," Elva said in a statement, Wednesday, January 8.

In the socialization and education related to the prevention of the HMPV virus, according to Elva, the public needs to be advised to carry out a healthy lifestyle such as washing hands and using masks in public places as the key to prevention that needs to be conveyed.

"With a correct understanding, residents can remain calm in facing this situation. Education must focus on actions that can be taken daily, such as maintaining cleanliness, getting enough rest, and immediately consulting with health facilities if they experience symptoms," explained Elva.

Despite the condition of the HMPV virus which is considered harmless, Elva emphasized that special attention needs to be given to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with certain health conditions.

"Communication from the Health Office is needed to maintain public peace, ensure they remain vigilant without anxiety," he said.

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the HMPV virus that recently spread in China was not actually a new virus. So, he asked the public not to panic when they found HMPV in Indonesia.

HMPV has long been found in Indonesia, if you check if it exists, it's there. I myself saw the data in several labs yesterday, it turns out that some of the children were affected by HMPV," said Budi.

Budi emphasized that the HMPV virus is different from the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 is a new virus, while HMPV is an old virus that is similar to the flu. The human immune system has known this virus for a long time and is able to respond well.

"Unlike the COVID-19 that only appeared a few years ago, HMPV is an old virus that has existed since 2001 and has been circulating around the world since 2001. So far nothing has happened either," said Budi.

Budi also emphasized that information about the soaring HMPV cases in China is not true. This has also been confirmed by the Chinese government and the World Health Organization (WHO). The increase in cases of common flu in four seasons countries such as China often occurs during winter.

"I've seen the data, what goes up in China is not the HMPV virus but the H1N1 type or the ordinary flu virus. HMPV is ranked number three in China in terms of prevalence, so that's not true)," he explained.