Continued monitoring of human pneumonic plague virus (HMPV) in China

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine , on January 7, WHO had official information about the situation of human pneumonia caused by the human papillomavirus (HMPV) in China.

Specifically, in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, acute respiratory infections tend to increase seasonally at this time of year due to respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza virus, RSV and other common viruses such as HMPV, mycoplasma pneumoniae.

According to WHO, the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infections (ARI) in several countries in the Northern Hemisphere has increased in recent weeks and exceeded the usual seasonal baseline.

WHO recommends that people in countries in the winter season take basic preventive measures.

Seasonal influenza is also on the rise in many countries in Europe, Central America and the Caribbean, West Africa, Central Africa and many countries in Asia, consistent with typical trends for this time of year.

Regarding the situation of human pneumonia virus (HMPV) in China, according to the latest surveillance data (December 29, 2024) on acute respiratory infections reported by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there is an increasing trend for acute respiratory infections caused by common agents such as seasonal influenza virus, RSV, hMPV..., in which seasonal influenza recorded the highest number of cases in accordance with the situation assessment for this time of year and no unusual agents were reported.

Health authorities in China have confirmed that the health system is not overwhelmed, hospital occupancy rates are lower than this time last year, and no emergency declarations or responses have been made. Health authorities in China have provided advice and messages to the public on how to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and how to minimize their impact.

WHO assesses seasonal outbreaks of respiratory pathogens that typically occur during the winter months in temperate climates.

The increase in acute respiratory infections in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere in recent weeks is expected for this time of year and is not unusual. The co-occurrence of multiple respiratory pathogens during the winter period can place a greater burden on countries’ health systems.

WHO recommends that people in countries entering the winter season take basic preventive measures to prevent the spread and reduce the risks caused by respiratory diseases, especially for vulnerable groups.

In case of mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and stay healthy to avoid spreading to others. High-risk groups or severe cases should go to medical facilities for timely consultation and treatment. People should consider wearing masks in crowded places and poorly ventilated areas; cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing with tissues; wash their hands regularly and get vaccinated according to the instructions of health authorities.

WHO also recommends that Member States maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens as appropriate to their national context and recommends against imposing any restrictions on trade or travel related to current trends in acute respiratory diseases.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor and closely follow the developments of the epidemic situation in the country and around the world to direct and guide localities and units to deploy appropriate and timely measures; at the same time, provide complete and accurate information, avoid panic and anxiety, and provide recommendations and messages for people to proactively implement effective disease prevention measures.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/y-te/tiep-tuc-theo-doi-benh-do-virus-gay-viem-phoi-tren-nguoi-hmpv-tai-trung-quoc-i755885/