Dr. Hans Kluge, the Regional Director for Europe at the World Health Association (WHO), has addressed concerns regarding human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections in Greece, assuring the public that there is no cause for alarm. In a recent social media post, Dr. Kluge highlighted that respiratory infections, including hMPV, typically rise during the winter and spring months across the Northern Hemisphere. He emphasized that hMPV is a common respiratory virus worldwide, noting that while severe cases can occur—particularly among infants, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions—most people experience mild symptoms. Health experts continue to monitor the situation closely, reinforcing the importance of awareness and preventive measures during peak infection seasons.
νται από αυτόν», αναφέρει ο ίδιος.
Υπενθυμίζεται ότι το περιστατικό αφορά έναν 71χρονο ο οποίος νοσηλεύεται σε Μονάδα Εντατικής Θεραπείας (ΜΕΘ) στη Θεσσαλονίκη και βρέθηκε θετικός στον hMPV.Η περίπτωσή του αρχικά συνδέθηκε με τη συρροή κρουσμάτων στην Κίνα καθώς η κόρη του είχε πρόσφατα ταξιδέψει εκεί. Ωστόσο,ο Εθνικός Οργανισμός Δημόσιας Υγείας (ΕΟΔΥ) ξεκαθάρισε την Τετάρτη ότι το περιστατικό δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την Κίνα: «Τα αποτελέσματα της έως τώρα επιδημιολογικής διερεύνησης δε συνηγορούν υπέρ της συσχέτισης του περιστατικού με τα κρούσματα που σημειώνονται στην Κίνα». Η κόρη του 71χρονου παρουσίασε συμπτώματα τα οποία όπως έδειξαν οι εργαστηριακοί έλεγχοι οφείλονταν σε γρίπη.Το ίδιο ισχύει και για την σύζυγο του ασθενούς, για την οποία αρχικώς αναφέρθηκε ότι είχε επίσης προσβληθεί από hMPV.
⇒ Τι λένε οι έλληνες πνευμονολόγοι για τον ιό HMPV
Με αφορμή τη συζήτηση περί ιών και αναπνευστικών λοιμώξεων, ο περιφερειακός διευθυντής Ευρώπης του ΠΟΥ υπενθυμίζει την αξία του εμβολιασμού:
Χανς Κλούγκε, περιφερειακός διευθυντής Ευρώπης – ΠΟΥ. Shutterstock
«Ενώ δεν υπάρχει εμβόλιο για τον hMPV, τα εμβόλια για άλλες αναπνευστικές ασθένειες, όπως η εποχική γρίπη και ο COVID-19, είναι εξαιρετικά αποτελεσματικά στη μείωση του κινδύνου σοβαρής ασθένειας και στην προστασία των ευάλωτων πληθυσμών. Προτρέπω όλους τους δικαιούχους να εμβολιαστούν κατά αυτών των λοιμώξεων ως βασικό προληπτικό μέτρο», αναφέρει στην ανάρτησή του ο δρ Κλούγκε.
Ο ΠΟΥ Ευρώπης καλεί τα κράτη-μέλη να δημAs respiratory viruses continue to pose meaningful public health challenges, the rise of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has caught the attention of health authorities. recent data from the National Respiratory and enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) indicates a notable increase in hMPV cases across the United States, with 1.94% of weekly tests returning positive results. This trend underscores the importance of robust surveillance systems to ensure timely detection and response to emerging viral threats. Health experts emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and public awareness to mitigate the impact of respiratory infections during peak seasons. for more data on viral activity and preventive measures, visit the CDC’s NREVSS dashboard.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kluge! Thank you for joining us today to discuss teh recent concerns surrounding human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Greece. With the confirmation of the first case in Thessaloniki involving a 71-year-old man, many are understandably anxious. What is your perspective on this new development?
Dr. Hans Kluge: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to emphasize that while the detection of HMPV in Greece is noteworthy, there is no immediate cause for alarm. HMPV is a respiratory virus that, while it can cause meaningful illness in vulnerable populations—such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions—typically leads to mild respiratory symptoms for the general public.
Time.news Editor: That’s reassuring to hear! Can you elaborate on how HMPV spreads and what the typical symptoms are?
Dr. Hans Kluge: Certainly. HMPV spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It was first identified in 2001, and similar to other respiratory viruses, it can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like signs to more severe pneumonia, particularly in at-risk groups like our recent case—a 71-year-old man who was already suffering from pneumonia and other health issues[1[1[1[1].
Time.news editor: Given that the patient’s daughter had traveled to China and exhibited flu symptoms after returning, does this raise concerns about possible international transmission?
Dr. Hans Kluge: Travel-related cases are always a consideration with respiratory viruses. Though, human metapneumovirus is not new, and it’s part of the broader family of viruses that can circulate within communities. The fact that one case was confirmed does not indicate an outbreak, but it highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining public health safeguards[3[3[3[3].
Time.news Editor: What measures should be taken by the public to stay safe from HMPV and similar respiratory viruses?
Dr. Hans Kluge: General preventive measures are beneficial—these include practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, and staying home when sick. Public awareness campaigns about respiratory infections can also help reduce transmission. It’s about ensuring that communities are informed and prepared, but without creating undue panic[2[2[2[2].
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr.kluge. Continuing education and awareness are vital during these times. Is there anything else you would like to say to our audience?
Dr. Hans Kluge: I encourage everyone to stay informed through reliable sources and to practice caution, especially during respiratory virus season. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Stay vigilant, but do not let anxiety overshadow the rational responses we can take[3[3[3[3].
Time.news Editor: Thank you, dr. Kluge, for your time and expertise. Your reassurances are vital as we navigate the complexities of respiratory health today.