HMPV virus: Namibians urged to remain calm
The ministry of health has acknowledged reports of an increase in acute respiratory infections caused by the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, but hastened to say to assure the public that the situation does not currently warrant concern in Namibia.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms such as fever and cough, which can become severe in vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Media reports have highlighted a rise in HMPV cases in China since late last year, with infections also recorded in India and Indonesia. The spike in respiratory illnesses in China has been attributed to the cold season, which typically sees seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HMPV, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Routine Seasonal Pattern
Health ministry's executive director Ben Nangombe stated in a media release on Wednesday that the increase in respiratory infections in China and other northern hemisphere countries is consistent with seasonal trends and does not constitute a public health emergency of international concern.
“The observed increase is an expected phenomenon around this time of year due to weather conditions,” he said.
He explained that HMPV, discovered in 2001, is a common virus with global distribution, particularly active during winter and spring. “In healthy adults, HMPV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms indistinguishable from other common respiratory viruses,” Nangombe added.
Preparedness in Namibia
The ministry has established protocols for managing disease outbreaks, including malaria, COVID-19, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, and other potential public health emergencies.
Namibia’s public health emergency teams at national, regional, and district levels are prepared to respond to outbreaks, Nangombe said. He reassured the public that the country is equipped to handle any cases of HMPV should they arise.
“Protocols guide surveillance, detection, referral pathways, diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment care, with a strong emphasis on risk communication and community engagement,” he said.
Symptoms and Prevention
Nangombe noted that respiratory infections caused by HMPV and similar viruses are transmitted via airborne droplets, aerosols, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, and general malaise.
While most cases of HMPV are mild to moderate, severe cases can occur in high-risk groups, including individuals aged 60 and above, children under five years old, people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or immunocompromised states, pregnant women and residents of nursing homes or care facilities.
There is currently no antiviral therapy or vaccine for HMPV. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Preventive measures include regular hand washing, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with others when symptomatic.
No Travel Restrictions
In alignment with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the ministry has not imposed trade or travel restrictions to and from China. However, individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms are advised to delay travel and seek medical attention if symptoms arise during or after travel, sharing their travel history with healthcare providers.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms such as fever and cough, which can become severe in vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Media reports have highlighted a rise in HMPV cases in China since late last year, with infections also recorded in India and Indonesia. The spike in respiratory illnesses in China has been attributed to the cold season, which typically sees seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HMPV, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Routine Seasonal Pattern
Health ministry's executive director Ben Nangombe stated in a media release on Wednesday that the increase in respiratory infections in China and other northern hemisphere countries is consistent with seasonal trends and does not constitute a public health emergency of international concern.
“The observed increase is an expected phenomenon around this time of year due to weather conditions,” he said.
He explained that HMPV, discovered in 2001, is a common virus with global distribution, particularly active during winter and spring. “In healthy adults, HMPV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms indistinguishable from other common respiratory viruses,” Nangombe added.
Preparedness in Namibia
The ministry has established protocols for managing disease outbreaks, including malaria, COVID-19, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, and other potential public health emergencies.
Namibia’s public health emergency teams at national, regional, and district levels are prepared to respond to outbreaks, Nangombe said. He reassured the public that the country is equipped to handle any cases of HMPV should they arise.
“Protocols guide surveillance, detection, referral pathways, diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment care, with a strong emphasis on risk communication and community engagement,” he said.
Symptoms and Prevention
Nangombe noted that respiratory infections caused by HMPV and similar viruses are transmitted via airborne droplets, aerosols, or contact with contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, and general malaise.
While most cases of HMPV are mild to moderate, severe cases can occur in high-risk groups, including individuals aged 60 and above, children under five years old, people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or immunocompromised states, pregnant women and residents of nursing homes or care facilities.
There is currently no antiviral therapy or vaccine for HMPV. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Preventive measures include regular hand washing, covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with others when symptomatic.
No Travel Restrictions
In alignment with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the ministry has not imposed trade or travel restrictions to and from China. However, individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms are advised to delay travel and seek medical attention if symptoms arise during or after travel, sharing their travel history with healthcare providers.
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