"Expected during winter," WHO official on HMPV virus
WHO's Margaret Harris Discusses Common Winter Viruses in China
In Geneva, Switzerland, Margaret Harris, a World Health Organization (WHO) official, addressed concerns about the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory infections in China. She explained that the increase in these infections is typical during winter and spring. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the pathogens causing these illnesses are well-known.
Harris noted that China has a surveillance system for tracking influenza-like and severe respiratory infections. The pathogens identified include the seasonal influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HMPV, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
She highlighted that seasonal influenza is the most common virus detected, with a test positivity rate over 30% at the end of December among those with flu-like symptoms. Despite the rise in cases, the levels of respiratory infections in China remain within the expected range for winter, and hospital utilization is lower than the previous year.
Harris emphasized that HMPV is not a new virus, having been identified in 2001, and typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold. She advised taking simple precautions, similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, to prevent infection.
Doubts Revealed
WHO
WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a special agency of the United Nations that works to improve health and well-being around the world.
Margaret Harris
Margaret Harris is a spokesperson for the World Health Organization. She talks to the public and media about health issues and updates from WHO.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human metapneumovirus is a virus that can cause respiratory infections, especially in children and older adults. It is similar to the common cold and usually spreads in winter.
Chinese CDC
The Chinese CDC is the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It is an organization in China that works to prevent and control diseases.
RSV
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It is a common virus that causes infections in the lungs and respiratory tract, especially in young children.
SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19, the disease that led to the global pandemic starting in 2019. It affects the respiratory system and can spread easily between people.
Seasonal influenza
Seasonal influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is common in winter and can cause symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
Test positivity rate
Test positivity rate is the percentage of all coronavirus tests that are positive. A higher rate means more people are testing positive for the virus.
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