Beijing, Jan 10 (NationPress) The overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China are lower than last year, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated on Friday. The spokesperson emphasized that the Chinese authorities will continue to implement necessary measures to ensure a comfortable, safe, and convenient environment for both domestic and foreign travelers in China.
Recently, there has been significant focus on the rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) within China. Concerns have emerged regarding the safety of traveling to the country, with various claims of an 'unknown virus' spreading online.
During a daily press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun disputed these claims, clarifying that HMPV is not a novel virus. It has been present in humans for at least 60 years and is a common virus responsible for upper respiratory infections.
"HMPV infections are self-limiting. Referring to this common virus as 'unknown' contradicts fundamental scientific understanding and is essentially fearmongering," he remarked.
The Chinese government prioritizes the health of its citizens and foreign residents, as noted by the spokesperson. He pointed out that relevant authorities and technical agencies in China have proactively conducted surveillance for various acute respiratory infections and have made the results public.
Experts in disease control from China have repeatedly informed the public on how to adopt science-based protective measures. Furthermore, China maintains close and regular communication with the WHO, sharing timely information on respiratory illnesses, Guo added.
Identified in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The wider implementation of molecular diagnostic testing has enhanced the identification and recognition of HMPV as a significant cause of both upper and lower respiratory infections, as per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, HMPV can lead to upper and lower respiratory diseases in individuals of all ages, particularly affecting young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
Data from the CDC's National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System indicates that HMPV is most prevalent during late winter and spring in temperate regions.
Common symptoms related to HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.
Unlike Covid-19 and the flu, there is currently no vaccine for HMPV nor antiviral medications for treatment. Instead, healthcare providers focus on managing the symptoms of severely affected individuals.
