Rospotrebnadzor said the situation with metapneumovirus infection is stable

The situation with metapneumovirus infection in Russia is stable, the seasonal increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) is associated with low temperatures and increased humidity. This was reported by Rospotrebnadzor in its Telegram channel on February 21.

The report says that metapneumovirus infection is an ARVI caused by a virus containing ribonucleic acid (RNA). Analysis of blood samples showed that the virus had been circulating in the population since at least the late 1950s and had been causing respiratory tract infections for more than 60 years before its discovery.

The agency emphasized that testing for metapneumovirus in Russia has been carried out since 2010, and for this purpose the "ARVI-screen" system was developed.

"Prevention of metapneumovirus infection includes a number of measures aimed at reducing the risk of infection and spread of the virus. Regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water, especially after visiting public places and before eating. If possible, close contacts with people with symptoms of respiratory infections should be avoided," Rospotrebnadzor added.

Earlier, on February 4, Rospotrebnadzor noted an increase in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections across Russia. It was specified that doctors registered 761 thousand appeals from citizens within seven days. The number of hospitalized people increased by almost a third.