A disease similar to COVID 19 has emerged in a region in China. The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes flu-like symptoms. While it is confined in a specific area, authorities fear that the Chinese New Year can cause its outbreak as urban dwellers who traditionally travel home can potentially bring the virus back with them to large urban centers – as was the case with COVID.
Thus far, there is no vaccine or medication for the HMPV. Doctors are advising against indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs to combat the disease because of the potential to worsen it. Healthcare systems are using early detection and rapid response to contain any possible spread.
Symptoms of HMPV include fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. The coughing associated with the HMPV is more acute than the lighter cough that came with COVID.
Like any viral disease, HMPV can affect people of all ages. However, early cases appear to be concentrated on children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakens immune systems.
Ghlobal New
