India and China also define it as a “general respiratory virus that is prevalent from winter to spring”
Cases of acute respiratory virus infections, such as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which have increased rapidly in India and China, have also increased rapidly in the Northern Hemisphere, but the World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated it as a ‘normal trend’.
WHO diagnosed on the 8th (local time) that “acute respiratory virus infection rates have been increasing for several weeks in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere,” and that “the infection rate has exceeded the standard, but considering the season, it is not serious.”
A patient suspected of having a respiratory disease waits wearing a mask in front of a hospital in Bangalore, India, on the 6th (local time). AFP Yonhap News
WHO said that patients with respiratory diseases generally show seasonal flu symptoms. Regarding HMPV, which has caused a series of infections in India and China, it was defined as “a common respiratory virus that is prevalent in many countries from winter to spring.” In addition, he explained, “Some HMPV patients may be hospitalized with bronchitis or pneumonia, but most recover within a few days after showing mild upper respiratory infection symptoms.”
In China, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which cause common cold symptoms, are also prevalent, but WHO reported that “local health authorities are not overloading the medical system.”
WHO added, “The increase in respiratory virus infections observed so far is within the expected range,” and added, “No abnormal signs have been reported, but we will continue to monitor the situation in cooperation with each country.”
Senior Reporter Kim Shin-seong sskim65@segye.com
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Source: www.segye.com
