Flu-like virus with no vaccine spreading across China five years after Covid
Another virus is causing concern in China five years after the Covid-19 pandemic left 122,000 people dead.
An outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has hit several parts of the country, with the north being particularly affected.
There is no vaccine for the virus, so people have have been urged to wear masks and avoid crowds.
The National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has now set up protocols for laboratory reporting and case verification.
HMPV is similar to flu, causing symptoms like cough, fever, wheezing and nasal congestion, but it can also worsen and result in bronchitis.
China confirmed last week it is piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, as cases of some respiratory diseases expected to rise through the winter.
What you need to know about HMPV
What is HMPV?
HMPV is a recently recognised virus from the paramyxovirus family. It was discovered by Dutch scientists in 200.
It is known to cause upper and lower respiratory disease, and it usually peaks in the winter.
What are the symptoms?
HMPV symptoms are similar to flu. They can include cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing.
Who should be particularly careful?
Severe cases can result in bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among infants, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.
People with pre-existing lung conditions, such as asthma, are of higher risk.
How does the virus spread?
The virus spreads primarily through droplets or aerosols from coughing or sneezing, and contact or exposure to contaminated environments.
Most children will have been infected with HMPV by the time they are five years old, Public Health Scotland said.
Recent cases detected include pathogens such as the rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with cases of the human metapneumovirus among people under the age of 14 showing an upward trend, especially in northern provinces.
The move to establish a dedicated system is aimed at helping authorities set up protocols to handle unknown pathogens.
This is in contrast to the lower level of preparedness five years ago when it was hit by Covid.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.