Health officials in northern China are happy to report that cases of a flu-like virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are going down. This virus can cause cold or flu symptoms like fever, cough, and stuffy nose. It usually goes away on its own but can make children, older people, and those with weak immune systems sick.
Wang Liping, a researcher from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explained that HMPV isn’t new. People have known about it for many years, and it was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001. Wang said that the rise in cases in the last few years is mostly because doctors are now better at finding the virus.
In recent weeks, some were worried after seeing pictures online of crowded hospitals in northern China. However, the World Health Organization said there are no unusual outbreaks happening in China or anywhere else. Experts believe that many people already have some immunity to HMPV because it has been around for a long time. Most kids catch it by the time they turn 5.
Right now, more people are visiting hospitals, but the number of cases is still lower than last year at this time. Gao Xinqiang, a health official, said there is no shortage of medical supplies.
Health experts advise people to take precautions to avoid getting sick from HMPV and other respiratory illnesses. This includes washing hands often, staying away from crowded places, and wearing masks when around many people. Currently, there are no vaccines or specific medicines for HMPV, but doctors expect flu cases to start decreasing by mid to late January
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