While some parts of the world are still dealing with the economic turmoil induced by the COVID pandemic. China is witnessing a rise of a new kind of virus named Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). HMPV's symptoms are also similar to the Coronavirus. 'China New Virus' is named Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is an RNA virus. As a result, China Virus News, China New Virus or New Virus in China is among the top trending topics on Google.
China New Virus: HPMV
Talking about HPMV symptoms, patients show symptoms like cold and COVID-19. Children under 2 years of age are most affected. According to China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing in the throat. Apart from HMPV, cases of Influenza A, Mycoplasma Pneumonia, and COVID-19 are also coming up. The number of its patients has increased continuously.
As per reports, China has declared an emergency in many places after the spread of the virus. According to the claim, the crowd is increasing in hospitals and crematoriums. However, no such information has been given by China. According to The Star report, the CDC has said that patients already suffering from diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at a higher risk of infection.
There is a high risk of the virus spreading through coughing and sneezing. If the effect of the virus is severe, it can also cause bronchitis and pneumonia. As per a newswire, China is also testing a surveillance system to deal with this.
Is HPMV deadlier than COVID-19?
The University of California has termed HPMV as 'little known'. Talking about whether it is deadlier than COVID, Larissa May, a professor of emergency medicine and an expert in public health and testing for infectious diseases was quoted saying by University of California report, "HMPV is not something most people need to worry about. It’s essentially another cause of the common cold."
However, it is also a fact that there is currently no vaccine for HMPV and nor are there any forms of antiviral therapy used to treat it. HMPV is usually treated by doctors by focusing on caring for the symptoms, with the hope that the body can then beat the virus on its own.
HPMV Treatment
The UoC report stated that HPMV treatment is the same as a cold. Lots of fluids are required to prevent dehydration, decongestants to reduce congestion, and pain relievers like ibuprofen and other NSAIDs for body aches.
HPMV virus was first discovered in 2001. HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family, along with the more commonly known respiratory syncytial virus or RSV.