The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring reports indicating a rise in the number of infected people Human coronavirus (HMPV) In China.
HMPV, which was discovered in 2001, is common but underdiagnosed because of its similarity to the common cold, according to the CDC.
Cases of infection with the virus in the United States have reached “pre-pandemic” levels and do not constitute a “cause for concern” at the present time, but there is a significant increase in infections. north china, Especially in children 14 or younger, according to media reports in Beijing.
Chinese government officials said the reported spike coincides with seasonal illness and appears to be less severe than in other years.
The CDC says cases of the virus have reached “pre-pandemic” levels in the United States and are “not currently cause for concern.” (Center for Disease Control)
“Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Dr. Eileen SchneiderHMPV “is associated with approximately 20,000 hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years,” said a medical epidemiologist in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Viral Diseases.
The virus can also be a cause for concern in “elderly and immunocompromised patients.”
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HMPV has symptoms similar to influenza and other respiratory viruses. (Istock)
The presentation of HMPV is usually mild and can include respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and nasal congestion, Schneider said.
“Symptoms are often clinically indistinguishable from infection with other common respiratory viruses, e.g Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.” She said.
An art teacher draws a poster to raise awareness against the spread of the HMPV virus in Mumbai, India, on January 6, 2025. (Photo by Indranil Aditya/Noor via Getty Images)
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The CDC said there is no vaccine or treatment for the virus at this time, but the infection usually improves with rest, drinking fluids, and over-the-counter medications.
