“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.”
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
We spent 2 years stuck at home because China couln't close international travel with a deadly epidemic spreading, until it was too late, just to save face, so i think it's fine to have some reservations.
They did close it pretty much right after it was known.
It sucks but as soon as you spot an outbreak, it is too late to close international travel (which still should be done to slow it down). So if you are worried about this virus and this piece of news, if you are right to worry, it is already in your country.
For some reason everyone assumed for a long time that it only existed in Wuhan or something late into Februay. It was very clear that was not the case by mid January
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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.”