China's Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country.
According to MIA «Kazinform», analysis of samples taken in hospitals from 23 to 29 December showed the active spread of acute respiratory infections, including influenza, rhinovirus and metapneumovirus.
"The incidence is particularly rising among children under 14, with a more pronounced trend in the northern provinces. Doctors note that the infection affects the respiratory tract, causing a runny nose, cough and fever, and in children and weakened patients can lead to bronchitis", the statement said.
At the same time, a video has begun to circulate online, showing wards in some Chinese hospitals overcrowded with patients wearing masks. The author compares the situation to the first days of the Covid outbreak in China.
In turn, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan assured that HMPV is a familiar virus that has been circulating worldwide for a long time.
As reported by the ministry's press service, strains of this virus have been detected in Kazakhstan, alongside other infections that are actively spreading during the seasonal surge in ARVI and influenza cases.
According to the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, 30 cases of metapneumovirus spread have been recorded in the country since October 2024.
"Since the start of the epidemic season, 8,360 samples have been tested in the republic for non-influenza viruses. Of these, 1,866 (22%) positive samples were identified, with rhinovirus being the most widespread – 680 samples or 36.4%, followed by RS virus – 433 (23.2%), adenovirus – 226 (12.1%), coronavirus – 206 (11.1%), parainfluenza – 178 (9.5%), bocavirus – 113 (6.1%) and lastly metapneumovirus – 30 (1.6%)", the statement said.
The Ministry of Health urges the population to observe preventive measures and limit contact in crowded places.
In addition, the agency has provided citizens with recommendations for the prevention of flu and ARVI:
- limit visits to crowded places, especially enclosed spaces;
- regularly ventilate rooms;
- use antiseptics or disinfectant wipes to clean hands;
- limit contact with sick people and ensure their isolation;
- if symptoms of flu or ARVI appear, keep children at home and do not send them to organised groups (preschools, schools);
- seek medical attention promptly if signs of illness appear.