Rospotrebnadzor reported monitoring the situation with methopneumovirus in China

Rospotrebnadzor specialists are monitoring the epidemiological situation related to the increase in the number of metapneumovirus diseases in China. This was reported in the press service of the agency on January 5.

Earlier in the day, the Office of Disease Control and Prevention of China, referring to the results of respiratory sample analyses, which were conducted from December 23 to 29, 2024, reported an outbreak of human metapneumovirus in the country. It noted that human metapneumovirus is actively spreading throughout China and mainly children under 14 years of age are exposed to the disease. People living in the northern provinces of the country are most often infected.

"Metapneumovirus (Metapneumovirus) <...> is one of the causative agents of respiratory infections. Metapneumovirus most commonly causes acute respiratory infections including bronchiolitis, pneumonia. It can be especially dangerous for infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems," Rospotrebnadzor said.

It added that the virus is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Among the symptoms identified runny nose, cough, fever, difficulty breathing and other manifestations characteristic of respiratory diseases. If they appear, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

"Since 2010, an ORVI-screen <...> reagent kit has been available. This modern kit is designed for rapid and accurate diagnosis of respiratory viral infections, including metapneumovirus. ORVI-screen allows to detect not only metapneumovirus, but also four types of parainfluenza viruses, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenovirus and many other pathogens that cause acute respiratory diseases," the report says.

To reduce the risk of infection and spread of the virus, people were advised to regularly and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water, especially after visiting public places, as well as before eating; avoid close contact with people with symptoms of respiratory infections; regularly clean and disinfect surfaces in homes and workplaces

"The situation is under control of Rospotrebnadzor," the agency concluded.

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Also on this day, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan reported that since October 1, 2024 in the country identified 30 cases of metapneumovirus (HMPV), which refers to acute respiratory viral infections. It is specified that the strains of this virus have been identified together with other types of infections, which are particularly active during the seasonal period of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza.