An employee of the Institute of Viral Diseases at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Zheng Lishu, stated that human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is not a new strain but a common virus that causes acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Although it was identified in the early 21st century, studies have shown that it has been present in the human body for over 60 years.
Kan Biao, the director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases at the CDC, shared at a briefing that epidemiological surveillance of ARIs has revealed an increase in the levels of metapneumovirus among children up to 14 years old, particularly in the northern regions of the country. However, it is expected that the intensity of the ARI epidemic this season will be lower than in the previous one.
The Chinese National Health and Family Planning Commission held a briefing on the situation concerning seasonal diseases in the country. The chief physician of the Beijing Children’s Hospital stated that influenza virus predominates among respiratory infections in children, and the season of high ARI incidence continues.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following basic hygiene rules: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms, maintain a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular physical activity, rest, stay at home when sick, wear a mask, ventilate the room, and get vaccinated with the appropriate vaccines.