World Health Organization: No unusual factors in viral pneumonia outbreak in China

On January 8, the Ministry of Health said it had received official information from the World Health Organization (WHO) about the situation of human pneumonia caused by the human papillomavirus (HMPV) in China and countries in the Northern Hemisphere.

The number of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections is increasing in China - Photo: REUTERS

The epidemic has no unusual elements.

Specifically, according to WHO, in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, acute respiratory infections tend to increase seasonally at this time of year. The main causes are 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.

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 caused by human papillomavirus (HMPV) in China, according to the latest surveillance data (December 29, 2024) of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, acute respiratory infections caused by common agents such as seasonal influenza virus, RSV, HMPV... tend to increase.

Of these, seasonal flu recorded the highest number of cases in line with the situation assessment for this time of year and no unusual agents were reported.

Health authorities in China confirm 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 recommendations and messages to the public on how to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases and how to minimize their impact.

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

"The increase in acute respiratory infections in many Northern Hemisphere countries in recent weeks was expected for this time of year and is not unusual.

Multiple respiratory pathogens occurring during the winter period can place a greater burden on countries' health systems," WHO said.

Proactively prevent winter diseases

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 as directed by health authorities.

In addition, Member States maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens as appropriate to their national context and recommend not imposing any restrictions on trade or travel related to current trends in acute respiratory diseases.

The Ministry of Health said it 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 to avoid panic and anxiety, and provide recommendations and messages so that people can proactively take effective disease prevention measures.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/to-chuc-y-te-the-gioi-benh-do-vi-rut-gay-viem-phoi-o-trung-quoc-khong-co-yeu-to-bat-thuong-20250108100633058.htm