Govt Issues Update on Outbreak of Covid-Like Virus

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued an update on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) following reports of an outbreak in China.

MoH in a statement on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, clarified that HMPV is not a new virus, adding has been documented as a circulating pathogen contributing to respiratory illnesses in Kenya.

Further, the Ministry said that there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients with respiratory symptoms in the country’s health facilities

“The Ministry of Health is following up on reports of alleged outbreaks of a flu-like illness caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). We wish to assure the general public that HMPV is not a new virus and has been documented as a circulating pathogen contributing to respiratory illnesses in Kenya,” the statement reads in part.

“The national public health surveillance system is on high alert, and we are happy to confirm that currently, there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in our health facilities.”

At the same time, the Ministry said that it remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans.

MoH Issues Statement on HMPV Outbreak

Members of the public have been requested to remain vigilant, continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative.

Also Read: Africa to Receive First Batch of Mpox Vaccines After Criticism Over Delays

Any unusual cases of severe respiratory illness are advised to seek medical assistance from the nearest health facility as soon as possible.

“Further information will be provided as it becomes available. For inquiries, please call 719,” the statement adds.

“The statement comes following reports that human metapneumovirus is reportedly surging in China, raising questions about what the illness is.”

However, Chinese health officials have not confirmed that HMPV is what is driving hospitalizations in the country, and recent reports from China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate the increase may actually be due to influenza A.

HMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are the most at risk for serious illness from the virus. 

Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the length of illness varies depending on the severity on an individual’s case but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses.

Also Read: Health Ministry Issues Update on Mpox

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include Cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.

“Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections,” the CDC’s website notes. 

The virus was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, according to the CDC. 

Experts however say the HMPV outbreak in China is not of major concern as it is neither a new, mystery illness nor responsible for as many cases as COVID or other infections even this season.

According to the latest CDC data, HMPV accounts for less than 2% of weekly positive tests of respiratory viruses. In comparison, the flu accounted for nearly 19% and COVID just over 7% for the same week. 

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