In recent days, there has been an increase in cases of pneumonia and respiratory diseases in several regions of China, which has caused social media to talk about a “new pandemic.”
In response to the concern of several users, Alejandro Macías, a Mexican professor and doctor, reported that the increase in cases is a response to seasonal and climatic factors, so it does not represent a health emergency or the beginning of a new pandemic.
“China has not declared health emergencies due to HMPV, it has only been reporting an increase in the incidence of seasonal viruses in several regions. In some of these regions, HMPV predominates. It is not a health emergency or the beginning of a pandemic,” Alejandro Macías wrote through his X account.
He also added that although HMPV predominates in some regions, it is not an alarming situation, since the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was discovered in 2001 and has persisted over the years.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus has been in the world’s population since the beginning of the 21st century and primarily affects the respiratory system; mainly, children and older adults, who are the groups most vulnerable to its effects.
Its symptoms include: difficulty breathing, cough, runny nose and sore throat, similar to those of a common cold. However, the severity of the disease can vary depending on the previous health status of each patient.
In more severe cases, especially in people with pre-existing diseases or weakened immune systems, HMPV can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or the worsening of chronic respiratory diseases.
Human Metapneumovirus is not new
According to the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the virus was discovered more than two decades ago.
According to specialists such as Professor Alejandro Macías, the increase in cases in China is due to seasonal patterns that facilitate the spread of respiratory diseases, particularly during the colder months.
However, the recent increase in cases in China has caused users to express their fear of facing a new global health crisis, just five years after the coronavirus outbreak.
In light of speculation circulating on the Internet, experts say there is no evidence that HMPV could trigger a situation similar to that experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: infobae
