Neighboring countries reassure about Covid-19-like respiratory disease in China

(Dan Tri) - Several neighboring countries have issued public health updates regarding human papillomavirus (HMPV) amid rising cases in China.

Passengers wearing face masks at Beijing train station, China (Photo: AFP).

China is facing a recent surge in the number of HMPV respiratory virus infections. Images of people wearing masks in crowded hospitals in China have been circulating on social media, reminiscent of the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The increase in HMPV cases is causing concern as several cases have recently been reported outside mainland China, such as in Malaysia and India.

Health officials in neighboring countries have issued statements to allay concerns, noting that the virus has been circulating in recent years and that respiratory illnesses tend to increase during colder seasons.

"There are reports circulating about an outbreak of HMPV in China. We have analysed the data on respiratory disease outbreaks in the country and have not found any significant increase in the December 2024 data nor have any cases been reported in large numbers from any of our institutions. There is nothing to worry about the current situation," the Directorate General of Health Services said last week.

"Respiratory diseases, especially in children and the elderly, are being closely monitored," Veena George, head of the health department of Kerala state (India), also emphasized.

"In addition, people coming from other countries, including China, will also be monitored if they develop respiratory symptoms. However, the current situation does not require any restrictions on foreigners," he added.

The New Straits Times newspaper on January 4 quoted a statement from the Malaysian Ministry of Health as affirming: "This is not a new disease, HMPV infections are not required to be reported or notified under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988."

The increase in acute respiratory infections at the end of the year and the beginning of the year is an expected phenomenon, in line with similar trends reported in other countries, especially those experiencing colder seasons like China, the statement said.

To prevent and control the spread of the disease, the Ministry is constantly monitoring, both domestically and internationally.

In Pakistan, the Ministry of National Health Services has directed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to closely monitor the HMPV virus and plans to hold a virtual meeting with health officials and experts to assess the situation and develop a response strategy.

Neither the Chinese government nor the WHO has declared a public health emergency related to the virus. China has said the Covid-19-like respiratory illness spreading in the country is a normal seasonal increase in respiratory diseases and is not cause for alarm.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said last week: "Respiratory infections tend to peak in winter. They appear to be less severe and spreading on a smaller scale than last year."

"I assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China," she added.

HMPV was discovered in 2001. The virus typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold, including cough, fever, nasal congestion or runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and a rash. However, the risk of severe illness is higher for people under 5 or over 65, and these cases take longer to recover.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this respiratory illness is most common in late winter and spring.

Like other similar viruses, HMPV is typically spread from person to person through droplets from coughs and sneezes, through person-to-person contact such as hugging or kissing, and by touching contaminated surfaces and objects and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/cac-nuoc-lang-gieng-tran-an-ve-dich-benh-ho-hap-giong-covid-19-o-trung-quoc-20250106163651067.htm