South Africans urged to stay vigilant but calm as respiratory virus concerns rise from China

AS China grapples with a significant surge in infections of the respiratory virus known as human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the South African Health Department has stepped in to quell public fears, urging citizens not to panic.

Reports indicate that the outbreak has particularly affected children, with social media flooded with images and videos depicting hospital scenes reminiscent of the initial Covid-19 outbreak five years ago.

More than seven million deaths worldwide were ultimately attributed to the Coronavirus, heightening sensitivity around viral infections.

In conversation with Independent Media, Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale addressed growing concerns stemming from reports of overcrowded hospitals and escalating public anxiety in China.

Mohale also highlighted that while the outbreak coincides with the typical respiratory season in the Northern Hemisphere, its late onset has raised eyebrows.

The Health Department is collaborating with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to keep citizens updated on any developments regarding HMPV.

“As government, we're closely monitoring the situation in China, like other parts of the world, using our event-based surveillance and continually looking for updates on the situation. It is the normal respiratory season in China but with a later start than expected. In South Africa we will continue our routine surveillance and public health communications and act on any new information or alerts. There is no need for public to panic and the department of health working with the NICD will keep the public updated as and when there are new developments.”

“We urge people to observe personal hygiene practices at all times to protect themselves and their loved ones from various preventable and manageable diseases and viruses,” Mohale added, recommending hand washing and proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing.

“It is crucial that people cross-check the authenticity of any claims with the Health Department to avoid falling prey to fake news,” he further remarked.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explained that during this time of year, many countries in the Northern Hemisphere usually witness a rise in acute respiratory infections.

The organisation reveals that such fluctuations typically arise from seasonal epidemics driven by respiratory pathogens, including HMPV, which circulates through many countries in winter and spring.

While most cases result in mild upper respiratory symptoms, leading to quick recovery, some can escalate to serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

“Recently, there has been interest in HMPV cases in China, including suggestions of hospitals being overwhelmed. HMPV is a common respiratory virus found to circulate in many countries in winter through to spring, although not all countries routinely test and publish data on trends in HMPV. While some cases can be hospitalised with bronchitis or pneumonia, most people infected with HMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and recover after a few days.”

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za