Micah McCartney is a Newsweek journalist in Taipei, Taiwan. It covers US-Chinese relations, security disorders of East Asia and Southeast Asia, and the links between the characteristics between China and Taiwan. You can touch Micah by sending an email to Mr. McCartney@newsweek. com.
According to the facts, first hand was observed and verified through the journalist or informed and verified from competent sources.
China has issued an update on the seasonal elevation of respiratory viruses, Human Metapneumavirus infections (HMPV).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has pressed so that this type of epidemics is typical of the winter months and does not cause undue alarm.
Newsweek has communicated with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain an observation email.
HMPV is a pseudo-cruspal disease that can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, nose that flows, nasal congestion and lack of breath. Although gentle, it can provide greater dangers for young children, the elderly and other people with weakened immune systems.
The outbreak has captured public attention, sparking fears reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic and surge in pneumonia cases that began in 2023 and overwhelmed hospitals in northern China.
In its update on Thursday, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that from December 30 to January 5, samples were taken in Continental China of Patients with influenza in search of outpatient and emergency care.
The samples were tested for a wide range of respiratory pathogens, including HMPV, COVID-19, influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
The China CDC also noted a rise in RSV infections among children aged 4 and younger. Like HMPV, RSV is a seasonal virus that typically spikes during colder months and can cause respiratory distress in vulnerable populations.
In its update on Tuesday, who is accumulating recent in respiratory infections, especially influenza, available for Northern Hemisphere countries aligned with the general seasonal patterns observed in temperate climates.
The organization downplayed fears about the recent surge in infections, saying those trends were expected and not uncommon for this time of year. However, he identified that the flow of multiple pathogens may just track fitness care systems.
Amesh Adalja, doctor and main member of the infectious divisions in the Johns Hopkins center for health safety, he told the Washington Post: “There is this trend after infectious disease is treated in an emergency when it is not. You would do. ” I probably call in 2018 about it. “
The WHO advised individuals with mild HMPV symptoms to stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Those experiencing severe symptoms or who are at higher risk of complications should seek medical attention promptly.
The organization also recommended preventive measures, including wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and following public health advice on vaccinations.
Micah McCartney is a reporter for Newsweek based in Taipei, Taiwan. He covers U.S.-China relations, East Asian and Southeast Asian security issues, and cross-strait ties between China and Taiwan. You can get in touch with Micah by emailing [email protected].
Micah McCartney is a reporter for Newsweek based in Taipei, Taiwan. He covers U.S.-China relations, East Asian and Southeast Asian security issues, and cross-strait ties between China and Taiwan. You can get in touch with Micah by emailing [email protected].