In the last few weeks, pictures and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China have been seen on social media. Based on those pictures and videos, it is estimated that the infection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has spread in China.

With the increase in the number of HMPV patients, China has acknowledged an increase in the incidence of HMPV virus infection, especially among children. But the Chinese authorities have claimed that this is a seasonal transition.

The BBC reported citing senior health officials in China that the virus infection was found to be increasing especially among children aged 14 and under. But they have rejected the claim that the patient pressure has increased in the hospitals . 

Kan Biao, head of China's CDC on infectious diseases, said that various respiratory infections may spread in the country this winter and spring. But he said that the overall number of respiratory patients this year will be less than in 2024, according to the BBC.

According to Tulio de Oliveira, founding director of the Center for Epidemic Response and Innovation, HMPV is one of the four viruses seen in China this winter. Respiratory syncytial virus, covid and influenza are other viruses . 

The latest situation in China is compared to the situation at the beginning of the Covid epidemic five years ago  is . In 2019, the covid infection that started from China killed 7 million people worldwide. 

But public health experts say that HMPV is not the same as Covid-19. According to them, this virus, which has existed for decades, can cause problems in the upper and lower parts of the respiratory tract, including bronchitis or pneumonia. HmPV virus is present in almost every child by the age of five. 

Many young people, including children under the age of two, are most at risk of the virus . Similarly, public health experts say that HMPV can cause more serious problems for people with weak immune systems, the elderly and cancer patients. 

HmPV is a virus . It causes infection in the upper respiratory tract of humans . In most people, an HMPV infection does not look any different from the common flu. 

This virus was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. But this virus is said to have existed decades before that. Common symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of a cold or flu. Its symptoms include coughing, fever, nasal congestion, and rapid breathing.

In some infected, its symptoms can be severe. After the virus enters the human body, it takes 3 to 6 days for symptoms to appear. But the average time the virus causes illness is said to depend on the severity of the illness. 

^{With the confirmation of HMPV infection in India, murals created in Bangalore to spread awareness about the use of masks. Photo: AP} 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection of this virus is especially seen in late winter or spring. According to the CDC, this virus is more prevalent in areas with moderate temperatures.

HMPV is spread through the air when an infected person coughs and sneezes. The infection can also be spread by touching an infected person, shaking hands, or touching an object or surface touched by an infected person and touching the same hand to the mouth, nose or eyes. 

The same person can get HMPV infection multiple times . But the first infection in such people tends to be tougher than others. As immunity develops during the first infection, the effect of the second or third infection is less.  

HMPV infection has been confirmed in China as well as in India. Last Monday, HMPV infection was confirmed in five children in the Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Similarly, two suspected infected persons were found in Nagpur, Maharashtra on Tuesday. But they have been discharged after treatment, according to the Indian media.

Indian health officials have so far said that the infection has been confirmed only in children and infants. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has said that there is no need to panic and many states have already issued health standards.

He says that the government is monitoring the situation closely and there is no reason to worry. In addition, Indian hospitals have also been instructed to be prepared for the treatment of these types of respiratory diseases. 

Their samples have been sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Nagpur and the National Institute of Virology in Pune, the official said. According to Shashikant Shambharkar, Deputy Director of Health Services Office of Maharashtra, one of the two patients is 7 years old and the other is 13 years old.

Public health experts should pay attention to personal hygiene such as washing hands with soap and using sanitizer from time to time to avoid this virus . Similarly, they suggest wearing a mask when going out, being cautious in crowded places, covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands.