hMPV reached Europe: The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate issued a statement on the hMPV virus. “In recent weeks, in the European region, the seasonal activity of influenza viruses has been significantly increased, as has the RSV virus,” we read. The virus, which has recently spread mainly in China, it hasn't reached Poland yetÅ‚, or at least it has not been discovered in our country. Recently, however, it has been reported in Portugal and Italy, but also in our neighbors – Germany and Ukraine. There were 22 and 14 cases of infection, respectively, recorded, mainly in children under 14 years of age.
Is there anything to be afraid of? In the winter and spring season, diseases caused by this virus are common. hMPV has been known since 2001, and its share in all respiratory infections ranges on average from 1%. up to 10 percent However, for the sake of to the low availability of tests outside hospitalsin many countries, including Poland infections with this virus are not routinely diagnosed and recorded. In Poland, infections with this virus are not subject to the obligation to report to the Sanitary Inspection.
What are the symptoms? The hMPV virus belongs to the same family as the RSV virus, the course of the infection is usually mild, flu-like with fever, cough and runny nose, some cases may require hospitalization for bronchitis or pneumonia. Infection occurs mainly through airborne droplets, coughing or sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.
How to treat and prevent? Due to the fact that there is no vaccine or specific treatment antiviral, the most important in combating hMPV infections – as in the case of many other seasonal infections – are preventive actions, such as: avoiding crowded places and contact with sick people; ensuring effective ventilation of rooms; covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; regular hand hygiene; using masks to protect the nose and mouth in closed, crowded rooms.
Sources: : Sanitary and Epidemiological Station, Business InsiderIAR