Bishkek, Jan. 8, 2025. / Kabar /. WHO Spokesperson Margaret Harris gave an update on respiratory viruses currently circulating in the Northern Hemisphere on January 7.
Dr. Harris's speech:
There has been considerable media interest in respiratory viruses circulating in China and human metapneumovirus, or hMPV, in particular. I would like to share what WHO knows about the situation, and our advice to the public.
Based on what has been reported by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (or China CDC), in their report of 2 January 2025 (covering data to 29 December 2024) and also shared in meetings between WHO and Chinese authorities, there has been a rise in a number of common respiratory infections in the country, as expected during winter.
China has a sentinel surveillance system for influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infections. According to China CDC data, the pathogens causing these infections are known ones, and they include the seasonal influenza virus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), hMPV (human metapneumovirus), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
Among the pathogens reported by China CDC, seasonal influenza is by far the most common and is increasing. The test positivity rate for influenza at the end of December was over 30% among people presenting with flu-like symptoms in outpatient and emergency departments at sentinel sites.
China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range for the winter season. Authorities report that hospital utilization is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered.
WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) has registered rising trends in influenza in the Northern Hemisphere, where it is currently winter, across parts of Asia, Europe, Africa and a few countries in the Caribbean.
Regarding hMPV: this is not a new virus. First discovered in 2001, it is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring. It usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold. In some cases, it can lead to more severe disease like bronchitis or pneumonia. The youngest and the oldest are most at risk, along with those who are immunocompromised, that is, those who have weakened immune systems.
Our advice to those who are in the winter season is to try to avoid getting sick in the first place. Simple measures can prevent spread. These include staying home when ill, wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, improving ventilation where you can (such as by opening a window for air flow), covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practising regular handwashing, and getting the vaccines recommended by your doctor.
For those who fall in a higher-risk group, like older or immunocompromised persons, seek medical care if you feel sick.
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