Pneumonia outbreak in China: children are most affected!

Pneumonia outbreak in China: children are most affected!

A new health problem rises through China: the Humane Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreads quickly and overloads the hospitals, especially in the northern regions of the country. Pictures and videos show worrying scenes from crowded children's clinics, where desperate parents with their sick children are waiting in long snakes. This is reminiscent of the beginnings of covid pandemic and has already led to an increase in illness, especially in children who are most affected. According to oe24 symptoms such as fever, cough and breath shortness can be observed, and in difficult cases there may be bronchiolitis or lung inflammation.

experts, including Dr. Christoph Specht, however, emphasize that HMPV is not a new virus. It has been found in the human population for at least 60 years and in most cases does not cause any fatal diseases. A report by nau currently emphasizes that neither a vaccine nor specific antiviral treatments, which is why therapy is on the relief of symptoms concentrated. Purely preventive measures, such as wearing masks, are recommended to contain the spread of the virus.

worldwide spread and precautionary measures

Also outside of China, as in the USA, an increase in HMPV cases, with doubles in the past few weeks. While children under the age of 14 represent the most affected group, older people and people with a weakened immune system are also difficult to develop. In Germany, HMPV infections make up about 7 percent of respiratory diseases, as is noted in the RKI report. The associations and authorities in China urgently require increased hygiene measures to contain the virus, while the international community continues to observe the situation.