Should public be worried about virus spreading in China?

• Screening is not necessary at this point   

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In the wake of a mysterious viral outbreak in China, the health authorities are still up in the air whether it could lead to a massive outbreak worldwide like COVID-19 pandemic.   

According to health experts, the virus spreading in China is called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and it is spreading especially among those under 14 in northern provinces. Its symptoms are mostly similar to that of COVID-19.    

• Senior official from the Health Ministry said cases have only been reported in China till now. So far it is not a cause of alarm, but a close watch is needed

Amid the health scare, there have been speculations on whether the virus will impact other countries, or bring back the COVID-19 days.   

Speaking to Daily Mirror, a senior official from the Health Ministry said cases have only been reported in China till now. So far it is not a cause of alarm, but a close watch is needed.   

He further elaborated that there isn’t any differentiating symptom between COVID-19, and HMPV. “ It can only be differentiated through viral study, for which specific labs are available,” he said.   

However, he ruled out any immediate need to do screening at airports and other entry points.   

Meanwhile, Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in medical virology at the Medical Research Institute, told Daily Mirror that the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) spreading in China is not new and there is no need to worry.   

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, while most respiratory infections in northern China are caused by Influenza A, other viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), rhinovirus, and hMPV have also been detected in smaller numbers. These viruses are not new and are not likely to spread globally like a pandemic.   

“hMPV, first identified in 2001, is a well-known virus that usually causes mild symptoms like cough, fever, and sore throat. In severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in young children, older adults, and people with existing health conditions,” he pointed out.   

“Respiratory infections are common in winter and, according to WHO, the current situation in China is less severe than last winter. The Medical Research Institute has been monitoring viruses like hMPV, RSV, and rhinovirus since 2013. Its Department of Virology routinely conducts PCR tests to detect hMPV in severe pneumonia cases,” he explained.   

Nevertheless, the expert recommended complying with preventive steps like washing hands and staying home when sick are effective in controlling the spread of viruses such as Influenza, RSV, rhinovirus, and hMPV.   

He further said there is no specific treatment for hMPV, but most cases improve within a week with enough rest.   

BIA says no screening for passengers yet

An official at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) said that no screening has been initiated so far for arriving passengers in response to China’s human metapneumovirus (HMPV).  

The official explained that, as the virus has not been declared a pandemic, the Health Ministry has not yet instructed airport authorities to begin screening arrivals.