Could HMPV Virus be the next COVID-19 Pandemic? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV virus)
About HMPV virus has been in news that China Declaring State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums. Multiple viruses Including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China.
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What is HMPV Virus?
Human Metapneumovirus also known as HMPV virus or hMPV is a negative-sense-single stranded RNA virus of the and is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus(AMPV) subgroup C which was occurred first time in Netherlands and was isolated also in Netherlands by using RAPCR (RNA arbitrarily primed PCR) which is a technique for identification of unknown Viruses growing in cultured cells. you can read more about the HMPV virus on Wikipedia (here)
Latest Reports on HMPV
China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. Children’s hospitals are particularly strained by rising pneumonia and “white lung” cases.
he surge in cases has also led to an alarming increase in sudden deaths, with people aged 40 to 80 being particularly affected. Funeral industry operators have reported crematoriums are so full that some have exploded due to the high volume of deceased.
n rural areas like Hunan, many locals are unable to afford medical care, leading to a rise in deaths from untreated conditions. The Chinese CDC confirmed a rise in acute respiratory infections nationwide, fueling widespread panic.
Ms. Wang, a funeral director in Zhejiang, described long cremation lines, with VIP furnaces in use, emitting heavy smoke. She likened the scene to a bustling New Year market. As a result, the government has declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating epidemic
Response on HMPV virus by United States
As you can see in the tweet that was posted on X which shows the State of emergency that’s happening in China. It seems to be Eyeing potential Bird flu Outbreak and Biden Administration is committing additional $306 million toward battling the virus and will distribute the money before President-Elect Donald J.Trump takes office you can read the full article on The NewYork Times (Here)
The President of the European Commission Leyen cancels engagements
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is currently battling pneumonia and has chosen to cancel certain scheduled engagements for this month, according to a spokesperson for the Commission on Friday.
“She’s suffering from pneumonia. As a result she has cancelled some engagements for the first two weeks of January, including a planned speech in Lisbon and a trip to Gdansk,” –said European Commission spokesperson Stefan de Keersmaecker.
What Experts Say
Experts said that HMPV virus infection could lead to pneumonia or severe illness, especially infants and children and those with weakened immunity should be extra vigilant. Experts suggest that wearing masks and washing hands frequently can reduce the risk of transmission.
Dr. Lin Xiaoxu, an American virology expert: “PV virus, once a common respiratory virus, is now causing severe illness and deaths in China due to a rapid decline in immunity, making this wave of mutant viruses different from past epidemics.”
Mr. Yang from Zhouzhi County, Xi’an: “The symptoms of infection are similar to those of ordinary flu. Some cases are influenza A, while others are a combination of influenza A and COVID-19. It’s widespread.
People in Xianyang, Shaanxi, reported that it is likely not H1N1, but a new wave of the epidemic, which is quite serious. They also noted that local hospitals are overcrowded, and the severity of the illness has raised concerns.
CDC Searching for these Pandemic Red Flags
The first severe bird flu case in united states was reported in Louisiana earlier this month. Genetic analysis found that the virus had mutated, making it more easily transmissible to humans, Said The CDC