China is once again on alert, after an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a new virus what is causing respiratory problems. For this reason we tell you more about this disease.
It has been almost 5 years since the world collapsed behind him COVID–19an acute respiratory disease that left thousands dead after its complications, however, it was recently discovered that a new virushe HMPVis accelerating the China and causing alert again.
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What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
He virus metapneumovirus humanknown by its English acronym HMPVbelongs to the paramyxovirus family, the same group that includes viruses such as mumps, measles, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
It was discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands.
This virus often causes respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people, notes the Cleveland Clinic in the United States.
How is it spread?
This disease is transmitted mainly from one infected person to another through secretions when coughing and sneezing.
However, it can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Something to highlight is that HMPV has had a great rebound during the wintercoinciding with the season of influenza.
Furthermore, an important factor for its spread is that, due to the absence of a specific vaccine and the high population density in Chinese cities, this virus has not been able to be controlled.
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For this reason, in videos circulating on social networks, a recent crowding of health centers can be seen, all with face masks, and saturating the lines waiting for an appointment, especially in the provinces of Zhejiang y Hunan.
Meanwhile, neither the UN nor the World Health Organization (OMS) have issued an official statement about the possibility of a national spread in China or a global pandemic, following this alleged virus.
CSAS