By Ksenia Kurenysheva
Just under six years ago, a virus rapidly spread across the globe, forcing everyone into their homes. This pandemic, called COVID-19, typically targeted the older demographics, specifically 80-89 year olds.
But now there’s another pathogen spreading throughout China. And this time, it’s primarily affecting children.
This virus is called the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and is classified as an acute respiratory illness. It’s spread through droplets containing the virus, which are transmitted when individuals breathe, cough or sneeze.
In young children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, there is a higher risk of HMPV becoming a severe case that requires hospitalisation, and if left untreated, it can progress to the lower respiratory tract and lead to pneumonia.
However, this is NOT a new virus. In fact, HMPV has been around for approximately 70 years, but was first discovered in 2001 by scientists from The Netherlands. For the last couple of decades, there have been small outbreaks of this virus (even in Australia!), so it is not an uncommon respiratory pathogen.
Either way, it is important to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. This means regularly washing your hands, wearing a mask around those who have the virus, avoiding sharing utensils and cutlery with those who are sick, and staying home if you feel unwell.
Many healthcare professionals believe that these outbreaks will soon settle down and China is just experiencing an increase in viral infections throughout the winter season.
So, when compared to COVID-19, the two outbreaks seem very different from one another, as HMPV doesn’t pose the similar initial threats that COVID-19 did.
However, individuals who have the virus (or its symptoms) should still rest and follow the safety procedures mentioned prior to ensure the safety of themselves, their loved ones, and the greater community.
