Discovered in 2001 and related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact and contaminated surfaces, Newsweek magazine has reported.
The illness typically lasts as long as the flu and symptoms include coughing, fever, congestion, and in severe cases, shortness of breath, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Prevention better than cure
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV, with health officials recommending preventive measures such as handwashing, avoiding face-touching and staying home when sick.
While concerns have arisen about a potential outbreak in China, there is not enough information from reliable sources to accurately predict the risk of a pandemic, Newsweek reported.
It said the virus circulates widely, which has built greater herd immunity and reduces the likelihood of a pandemic akin to COVID-19.
'It’s not something to take lightly': Polish doctor
Meanwhile, Dr. Michał Sutkowski, head of the College of Family Physicians of Poland, told public broadcaster Polish Radio on Tuesday that the HMPV virus could pose a genuine concern.
"There is an epidemic ... in northern China, where the cold weather creates ideal conditions for the virus to spread," he said. "Symptoms include cough, sore throat, and elevated temperature. It’s not something to take lightly."
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Source: polskieradio24.pl/polskieradio24.pl, Newsweek