What Kenyans Need to Know About Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV); Symptoms and Treatment

With traces and fresh memories of the coronavirus that began in China and put the whole world at a standstill for more than three years, there is a new virus outbreak in China, and the world is distressed.

Are we going back to the Covid-19 era? Should the world be worried? Well, here is an explainer of the new virus outbreak in China, its symptoms, effects, prevention, treatment( if any), and if as a country, Kenya should be worried.

So what is this new disease that has broken out in China? China is currently battling the human metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV. HMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages.

If you are a child, adult, youth, or an elder above 65 years with a weak immune system, you are the most at risk for this serious illness from the virus. 

Symptoms

The symptoms of this new disease are like that of a common cold. One might cough or wheeze, have a runny nose, or suffer from a sore throat. You might also experience shortness of breath and nasal congestion.

The symptoms of the disease may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.

It is important to note that this is not a new virus. It was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the respiratory syncytial virus commonly referred to as RSV.

How can one get the disease? One can transmit the disease through direct contact with someone who contracted it, secretions from coughing and sneezing, or from touching things contaminated with the virus. 

Prevention

To protect yourself from contracting the disease, the same steps as prevention for respiratory diseases are applied; Wash your hands with soap and water and avoid close contact with infected persons.

So, should Kenyans be worried? Well, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that the intensity of the virus is not so strong to cause an alarm. Common flu prevention practices are enough to keep it at bay.

“There has been a recent rise in acute respiratory infections” but “the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year are lower than last year,” a WHO spokesperson told ABC News.

So far, there is no treatment for HMPV, but doctors use flu medicine to suppress the symptoms.

On its part, Kenya has revealed that it is on the lookout and remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans. Kenyans have been advised to stay calm as the disease is not new and has been documented as a circulating pathogen contributing to respiratory illnesses in Kenya.

Kenyans were also advised to remain vigilant and continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.