New Virus in China Similar to COVID: Emergency Declared, Children Most Affected

Five years after COVID-19, a new virus outbreak has been reported in China, showing symptoms similar to the coronavirus. The virus is named Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is an RNA virus.

Symptoms Resembling COVID-19

When infected, patients exhibit symptoms like cold and COVID-19. The virus primarily affects young children, with those under two years of age being the most vulnerable.

Symptoms and Increasing Cases

According to China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and throat inflammation. Besides HMPV, cases of Influenza A, Mycoplasma Pneumonia, and COVID-19 have also been reported, contributing to the rising number of patients.

Claim of Emergency in China

Social media posts suggest that China has declared emergencies in many areas, with hospitals and crematoriums reportedly overcrowded. However, there has been no official confirmation from China. According to a report by The Star, the CDC has stated that patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are at higher risk of infection.

Virus Transmission and Complications

The virus spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. In severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. According to Reuters, China is testing a surveillance system to address the situation.

HMPV Identified in 2001

HMPV was first identified in 2001 by a Dutch researcher who found the virus in samples from children suffering from respiratory illnesses. However, the virus has been present for the last six decades.

Seasonal Presence of HMPV

The virus exists in the environment throughout the year but poses the highest risk of spreading during winter.

COVID-19 Originated in Wuhan, China

The first case of COVID-19 was reported in 2019 in Wuhan, China, initially thought to be mysterious pneumonia. It was later identified as being caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (coronavirus).

Global Impact of COVID-19

The virus quickly spread worldwide, and on January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared it a global pandemic. Over 700 million cases of COVID-19 have been recorded globally, with more than 7 million deaths reported.