Countries are wary of Covid-19-like epidemics in China

China is facing an outbreak of metapneumovirus (HMPV), symptoms similar to Covid-19. The epidemic spread quickly, causing some hospitals to be overwhelmed. On January 4, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Ms. Mao Ning, spoke reassuringly about this routine virus. She said respiratory infections typically peak at this time of year.

However, countries and territories around the world are still wary of the epidemic.

Malaysia recorded 327 cases of HMPV infection in 2024, an increase of 45% compared to 225 cases in 2023. Patients in this country often have symptoms similar to a cold, but in more severe cases, symptoms can progress. into bronchitis or pneumonia.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Health urged people to continue to be vigilant, especially as respiratory infections persist in the community. The agency recommends that people wash their hands with soap, wear masks, and cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

“The public needs to proactively take care of their health, prevent infection to others, especially in closed and crowded areas, and should consider when planning to travel to countries with high risk of infection.” , the ministry said.

According to the agency, an increase in respiratory disease cases at the beginning and end of the year is predictable and has also been reported in many countries, especially those with cold seasons. The Ministry of Health will further monitor epidemic developments, strengthen preparation and take appropriate actions.

Similarly, on January 5, the Ministry of Health Vietnam also warned that our country is entering the respiratory disease season in the context of the Lunar New Year, with the need for travel, trade, and contact skyrocketing. The Ministry advises people not to be confused or worried but not to be subjective or inattentive to disease developments, especially during the winter-spring period with favorable weather conditions for respiratory pathogens to spread.

Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control Taiwan (CDC), Ms. Tseng Shu-Hui said the epidemic could also affect this area. The agency is closely monitoring further developments.

In an interview on January 2, Dr. Chen Chih-jung, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, said that the virus affects the lower respiratory tract, and some children may need to be hospitalized. However, in general, the disease is less serious than the flu.

Dr. Cheng also pointed out that HMPV occurs year-round in Taiwan. Hospitals will record scattered cases, sometimes spikes, but most children recover well. He encouraged people to avoid crowded places, wear masks, and wash their hands regularly to ensure the disease does not spread.

Recently, the Department of Infectious Disease Control Cambodia issued a warning about HMPV, noting that it resembles Covid-19 and influenza. The Ministry of Health calls on people to take virus prevention measures during the cold season. In a press release, the ministry said HMPV causes symptoms such as fever, cough, stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing.

“This virus can cause serious illness in infants, children, people over 65 years of age or immunocompromised people,” the report said.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Health said that the country’s weather is not too cold, so the disease is not as serious as the flu, and most children have recovered. Cases in the country are mild, but 6-16% of children may develop bronchitis or pneumonia. The Ministry also issued recommendations to prevent HMPV and other respiratory diseases from spreading, including maintaining hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, keeping distance from people around, washing hands frequently and avoiding places Crowd when possible.

India On January 4, he also called on the public to stay calm amid the spread of HMPV in China, affirming that he was “well prepared” to respond to the epidemic. The General Department of Health Services and the Ministry of Health held a meeting with experts to discuss response measures. Analyzes show that HMPV is not an unusual epidemic and there has been no recent increase in respiratory cases. However, authorities are still closely monitoring the situation and increasing HMPV testing.

The General Director of DGHS recommends that people take the same preventive measures as for respiratory infections, such as avoiding contact with others, especially high-risk groups if they are suffering from cough and fever.