Malaysia has confirmed its first cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that recently sparked concern in China.
The country's Ministry of Health has advised the public to wear masks and wash hands frequently with soap as precautionary measures, reported The Economic Times on Monday (6 January).
Following the global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, China has witnessed the emergence of another viral infection.
The spread of HMPV, particularly among children, has led to overcrowded hospitals in China.
Health experts fear that if the virus continues to spread, it could precipitate a significant public health crisis.
Recently, China's health authorities issued a warning about an increase in flu-like illnesses, although no formal announcements have been made regarding the current situation, leading to suspicions of information being withheld.
Symptoms of HMPV include those similar to a common cold and flu, such as fever and cough.
The virus tends to become more active during the winter season, and its rapid spread across various provinces in China is causing growing concern.
HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory virus that infects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. It affects people of all ages but poses the highest risk to children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of HMPV
The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of flu and other respiratory infections.
Common symptoms include coughing, fever, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.
In severe cases, the virus can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
The incubation period for HMPV typically ranges from three to six days, with symptoms varying in duration depending on the severity of the infection.
The virus spreads in ways akin to other respiratory viruses, through coughing and sneezing, shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces, and then touching the face.
As HMPV cases emerge in Malaysia, the nation's health authorities are urging vigilance and adherence to preventive measures to mitigate the virus's spread.
