shifting Focus for now our next Story begins with a critical question why is China silent on the new virus outbreak in the country 5 years after the vuhan virus brought the world to a standstill a new mystery virus outbreak has sparked concern about another epidemic emerging from China beijing's silence in a way is not helping the situation China is reportedly witnessing a rise in respiratory illnesses including human meta pumo virus also known as hmpv what is hmpv it's a respiratory illness that can infect people of all ages it's the most common in children raising further
Public Health concern as for what the symptoms are the symptoms reportedly include cough fever runny or stuffy nose sore throat wheezing shortness of breath and rash hmpv transmits through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus in other words the virus can spread by coughing and sneezing shaking hands hugging or kissing touching surfaces or objects like phones door handles keyboards toys which brings us to the question of who is at risk from the virus children under the age of five immuno compr immuno compromised populations immuno compromised populations and
the elderly now these groups are more susceptible and more likely to be co-infected with other respiratory viruses ins suceptible individuals with underlying medical conditions hmpv infection can lead to death Based on data from an article published in Lancet Global Health in 20121 1% of acute lower respiratory infection related deaths in children under age 5 can be attributed to hmpv in fact Health experts have expressed concern about the spread of the virus reportedly China's Health authorities say that the virus is spreading across the northern regions of the country the Chinese Center for Disease Control and prevention
reportedly has confirmed that northern China is the worst affected areas around surrounding China are reportedly implementing strict monitoring measures Hong Kong for example has reported very few cases according to South African Broadcasting Corporation as a uh BC News Japan's Health authorities are actively monitoring the issue it's because following a significant influenza outbreak Japan reported thousands of cases Nationwide according to Japan Broadcasting Corporation over 94,000 flu patients were reported in one week leading up to December 15 and that is across 5,000 in Hospitals and Clinics throughout the country the total number of cases in Japan for
the current season has now reached 78,000 reportedly as for India it is reportedly monitoring the situation and is also in touch with International agencies the national Center for Disease Control NC ncdc is uh closely monitoring uh respiratory infections and seasonal influenza cases the outbreak has heightened awareness about the need for preventive measures especially since no vaccine exists for hmpv and this is despite the fact that the virus was first detected nearly two decades ago currently there is no vaccine or effective medication against hmpv and treatment is mostly focused on alleviating symptoms and that is why
Health experts are urging vigilance and adherence to Public Health guidelines to limit the spread of the virus the common people have been advised by the authorities to wash their hands wear masks other precautions remember your health comes first authorities are monitoring the situation closely it's always safe to exercise precaution they say and they also say here's what else can be done as per experts wash your hands often with soap cover your nose or mouth while sneezing or coughing wear a mask if you're sick and cannot and avoid being around others avoid touching your face eyes
nose mouth unless unless your hands are clean ultimately they say it all walls down to the little habits to stay up to speed with the latest news download the weon app And subscribe to our YouTube channel
