HMPV Cases Surge In Malaysia After China Outbreak, Public Cautioned; Know Ways To Prevent Yourself
Jan 06, 2025
News
Malaysia witnessed 327 new HMPV cases in 2024 – from 225 cases reported in 2023
There has been a significant rise in cases of human metapneumovirus in Malaysia—a 45 per cent increase from last year, according to the government report. The update came as China reported a sharp surge in the respiratory illnesses over the past few weeks.
According to a report in Strait Times, the Malaysian health ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant and noted that respiratory tract infections will continue to exist due to extreme weather conditions. Malaysia witnessed 327 new HMPV cases in 2024, up from 225 cases reported in 2023.
The Public is advised to practice caution
According to experts, to prevent the virus from spreading, the best way is to follow hygienic sanitary practices like washing hands with soap, wearing a face mask, and covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing. Authorities, however, sought to alleviate concerns and insisted that a spike in respiratory tract infections at the beginning and end of the year is an expected phenomenon.
China witnesses a massive surge in HMPV cases
According to media reports, China is seeing a huge surge in HMPV cases, especially in the northern areas, with photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals going viral on social media. Authorities, however, called it just a 'winter occurrence' and insisted that it was completely safe to travel to China.
The situation has sparked alarm as the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
India monitoring the situation
India says is currently monitoring the situation. The Health Ministry convened a meeting to take stock of the rising caseload over the weekend. However, authorities insist that there is no cause for concern at this time.
“Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes common cold, and in very old and very young people it could cause flu-like symptoms. We have analyzed the data of the respiratory outbreaks within the country; there is no such substantial increase in 2024 data,” ANI quoted official sources.
What is the human Meta?
HMPV usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold, leading to upper respiratory infections, but it can also lead to lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse—sometimes even being fatal. HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring.
Most people get HMPV before they turn 5 years old. According to doctors, you can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection.
Signs and symptoms of HMPV
Experts say the signs and symptoms of human metapneumovirus include:
- Severe cough
- High fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Constant wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Rashes all over the body
How does the HMPV virus spread and what are the risk factors?
Doctors say HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus, like coughing and sneezing, shaking hands, hugging or killing, or even touching infected surfaces like phones and door handles.
And while anyone can get HMPV, you may be at a higher risk for severe illness if:
- You are younger than 5 years or older than 60
- Have a weakened immune system due to an autoimmune disease
- Have asthma or COPD
Ways to prevent HMPV
You can reduce your risk of HMPV and other infectious diseases by:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water
- Cover your nose and mouth — with your elbow, not your bare hands
- Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with a cold
- Consider wearing a mask
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth
- Do not share food or eating utensils
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