In the past two weeks, word of a new virus has been a hot topic. This virus has been spreading in China as there is a rise in the number of cases. This new virus is called the Human Metapneumovirus, most commonly known as the HMPV. Speculations of whether this virus is something that is going to do some damage have been spreading all around the globe. But to make a decision on whether this is something to be concerned about, we need to get a deep understanding of what this virus is and what the virus has done so far.
The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the viruses that cause the common cold. The HMPV virus is an upper respiratory infection and causes mild sickness and only lasts for a couple of days, but for some it can be more serious and can make them extremely sick. It belongs it the family of viruses called Pneumoviridae and like many viruses it is spread through, close interactions, closed spaces, contamination of objects, and through coughing and sneezing. Although this virus was first identified in 2001, in recent times there has been a spread in cases causing it rise in popularity. With many all around the globe having past experiences with viruses, people have been very cautious with the increased number if cases.
This rise in china have been recently recognized by the Chinese authorities. They believe that this virus is not something to be worried about due to the fact that it has been around for many years and that because of that, our immune systems have built defense towards this virus. Chinese authorities have also shut down the concern many posses about the virus being similar to COVID, by stating that COVID-19 was a new virus that our bodies were seeing for the first time and did not know how to react to, while HMPV is not. The rise in cases is not a surprise as many are getting together for the holidays.
The HMPV virus has been a surprise that we did not expect which caught many off guard and gave most a scare. But with research and understanding on this virus it is revealing that although the cases have been spiking, it is expected and us not something that is new and can is not predicted to be a problem in the near future. St the current state of the virus, it does not seem to be a threat, but only the future can tell the path of virus
