The WHO assures that the metapneumovirus from China poses no threat.

The respiratory virus spreading in China, known as human metapneumovirus (hMPV), is not new and does not pose a significant threat, according to the World Health Organization. This information comes from the United Nations in Geneva, citing a statement from WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris, as reported by UNN.

Details

According to Margaret Harris, cases of such infections are expected to rise in China during the winter, with seasonal flu being "by far the most common among them."

As for the metapneumovirus, it was first identified in 2001 and has "been present in the human population for a long time," the WHO spokesperson clarified.

Margaret Harris added that it is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring and typically "causes respiratory symptoms similar to a common cold." Like any of the hundreds of known cold viruses, it can lead to more severe illnesses in patients with weakened immune systems, particularly in newborns and the elderly.

In response to a question about the mortality rate from hMPV, Harris described it as "very, very low."

For safety, she recommended "simple" preventive measures such as wearing masks, improving ventilation in enclosed spaces, and handwashing.

Speaking about another virus—avian flu H5N1—the WHO spokesperson assured that the risk from it remains "low."

Margaret Harris noted that it "does not circulate in the human body but transfers to people" who come into contact with domestic birds or livestock.

Reminder

The Public Health Center reports that the situation with metapneumovirus in Ukraine is under control. There have been 13 recorded cases of the illness, which is milder than the flu and rarely causes complications.