New infection with symptoms similar to COVID-19 in China, doctors urge caution.

Kathmandu. Some Western media have mentioned that the number of patients with HMPV, a respiratory disease with flu-like symptoms, is increasing in northern China. However, this has not been independently confirmed.

Although the HMPV virus usually affects the upper respiratory system, it is said that sometimes it can also infect the lower respiratory system. Although videos and photos posted on social media show an increasing number of patients in hospitals, officials have claimed that this is not what is being rumored. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Friday that respiratory infections usually increase in winter. She also stated that the Chinese government is sensitive to the health of its citizens and foreign tourists, and that travel to China is safe.

About a week and a half ago, China’s National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention officially announced that it was setting up a surveillance system to monitor pneumonia of unknown cause. Reuters has reported that viruses such as rhinovirus and HMPV have been found in the recently discovered patients. It is reported that HMPV infection is increasing, especially in children under the age of 14.
What is HMPV?
Although HMPV and the Covid-19 virus belong to two different virus families, the symptoms of their infection are said to be similar to a large extent. Both can be transmitted when sneezing or through contaminated surfaces or contact with an infected person. Both have symptoms such as fever, cough, dry throat, and difficulty breathing.
“Respiratory problems similar to Covid are being seen in China. Due to this, the number of people admitted to hospitals has also increased. This is called HMPV. This virus infection is usually seen more in the winter season. But it is not as dangerous as covid, so there is no need to be afraid”, said senior chest specialist Dr. Naveen Prakash Sah.
Dr. Sah said that because it is a country with a border with China and there are regular air flights, precautions should be taken against this disease in Nepal. He said that infection with this virus can lead to pneumonia.
Although a vaccine against Covid is available, a vaccine against HMPV has not yet been developed. The doctors said that no HMPV patients were found in Nepal.