What does HMPV stand for? Virus leaves Chinese hospitals in ‘chaos’
HMPV is actually known as human metapneumovirus and although it’s not a new illness the huge surge in cases is causing public concern across large parts of China
The HMPV virus is sweeping across China as a surge of infections continues in the country, leading to reports that hospitals are “In chaos.” Cases of HMPV have been escalating in recent days and most worryingly, it seems to affecting young children.
But what does HMPV actually stand for? We may need to know as it enters the public psyche. Much like a certain coronavirus Covid-19 did a few fateful years ago.
It is actually human metapneumovirus and although it’s not a new illness the huge surge in cases is causing public concern. Northern China is particularly affected with children under the age of 14 badly hit. Now India has also reported cases.
As cases escalate, so does worry over HMPV. The respiratory virus outbreak echoes a similar situation to the Covid pandemic five years ago. Despite most HMPV cases being mild, people with weaker immune systems can end up with a serious illness if infected.
Worldwide concern is mounting at the potential spread of HMPV – with densely-populated India also reporting cases of the virus affecting young babies. Fears of HMPV sweeping across the globe and creating issues within hospitals are already being considered by health officials.
The Union Health Ministry issued this statement: “HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries.”
Initially, the HMPV virus will cause symptoms like a cold, coughing, wheezing, a sore throat and a runny nose or sneezing. But young children and the elderly – or people with other health conditions – can end up with severe complications, such as pneumonia.
A study from gov.uk – who tracks Covid-19 type illnesse – recently revealed the same HMPV disease that’s behind the China outbreak is well and truly present on British shores. While the three other major strains of influenza – Adenovirus, Parainfluenza and Rhinovirus – all showed trends of decreasing, HMPV showed an upward tick, just as chaos started kicking off in China.
It was disclosed on Friday, January 3 that China’s authorities are trialling a novel system to monitor undetermined pneumonia cases, inciting worries about a potential surge in “White Lung” cases – a phrase frequently used for severe pneumonia.
The HMPV infection in India was detected in two babies – a three-month old girl and an eight-month old boy – who were reportedly treated at Baptist hospital-Bengaluru.
Rumours swirled that China had announced a state of emergency due to the virus spread, but no formal statement has been issued by either the Chinese government or the World Health Organisation.
Moreover, a doctor from Jiangsu Province posted on Xiaohongshu, a mainland platform, on December 27, revealing the discovery of a hitherto unknown virus within their medical facility.
The doctor revealed that the affected patients were battling pneumonia and respiratory failure. Although the virus wasn’t as contagious as coronavirus, it had a significantly higher death rate.
According to the medic, out of his 30 patients, six had sadly died and three more were on the brink of death. A woman took to social media to claim that major hospitals in Shenyang, the largest city in China’s Liaoning province, were completely overwhelmed.
