On the morning of January 8, the Department of Preventive Medicine - Ministry of Health updated information on the situation of human pneumonia virus (HMPV) in China and said that the World Health Organization recommends that member countries maintain surveillance of respiratory pathogens...
In many countries in the Northern Hemisphere, acute respiratory infections tend to increase seasonally at this time of year due to respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza virus, RSV and other common viruses such as HMPV, mycoplasma pneumoniae.
According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infections (ARI) in several countries in the Northern Hemisphere has increased in recent weeks and exceeded the usual seasonal baseline.
Seasonal influenza is also on the rise in many countries in Europe, Central America and the Caribbean, West Africa, Central Africa and many countries in Asia, consistent with typical trends for this time of year.
The World Health Organization considers seasonal outbreaks of respiratory pathogens to occur during the winter months in temperate climates.
The increase in acute respiratory infections in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere in recent weeks is expected for this time of year and is not unusual. The co-occurrence of multiple respiratory pathogens during the winter period can place a greater burden on countries’ health systems.
The World Health Organization recommends that people in countries entering the winter season take basic preventive measures to prevent the spread and reduce the risks caused by respiratory diseases, especially for vulnerable groups.
In case of mild symptoms, stay home, rest, and stay healthy to avoid spreading to others. High-risk groups or severe cases should go to medical facilities for timely consultation and treatment. People should consider wearing masks in crowded places and poorly ventilated areas; cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing with tissues; wash their hands regularly and get vaccinated according to the instructions of health authorities.
The World Health Organization also recommends that Member States maintain surveillance for respiratory pathogens as appropriate to their national context and recommends against imposing any restrictions on trade or travel related to current trends in acute respiratory diseases.
The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor and closely follow the developments of the epidemic situation in the country and around the world to direct and guide localities and units to deploy appropriate and timely measures; at the same time, provide complete and accurate information, avoid panic and anxiety, and provide recommendations and messages for people to proactively implement effective disease prevention measures.
