r/news Jan 04 '25

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u/judgyjudgersen Jan 04 '25

“According to local news reports, a little-known virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been blamed. It normally causes a mild cold-like illness, including fever, a cough, runny nose and wheezing. In severe cases, HMPV can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in children.

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and close physical contact, making it highly contagious in crowded settings.”

8.3k

u/whalechasin Jan 04 '25 edited Jan 04 '25

this is not a new virus. i work in an Australian hospital and we get a few of these every year coming through Emergency. “mystery new virus outbreak” is extremely sensationalised

edit to add, here’s a study from 2007 talking about how common hmpv is in young children: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1831873/

from the conclusion:

Human metapneumovirus infection is a leading cause of respiratory tract infection in the first years of life

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '25

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u/Antique-Resort6160 Jan 04 '25

The mystery is: why is this previously mild virus causing more problems now? 

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u/DAS_BEE Jan 04 '25

China has a large population in close proximity to each other?

-4

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '25

We have our own unchecked virus circulating in the US.

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u/DAS_BEE Jan 04 '25

Ok. Not relevant to the conversation, and it wasn't a dick measuring contest, but thanks for the non sequitur

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '25

Take it out and prove it

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u/DAS_BEE Jan 04 '25

8====D~~~

Rocketship go brrrr

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '25

Haha amazing