Headline:
Fighting the HMPV Wave: Facts and Preventive Measures
Subhead:
As China battles a widespread outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Indonesia urges caution and preventive steps.
Article:
The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is currently causing concern worldwide, with a significant outbreak underway in China. Characterized by its rapid spread and the rise in cases, particularly in Northern China, HMPV is drawing international attention, including from Indonesian health authorities.
Dr. Widyawati, MKM, a spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia), has urged the public not to panic. Instead, she stresses the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices, regular hand-washing, and using masks in crowded places.
"Currently, there have been no reports of HMPV cases in Indonesia. However, it is crucial for citizens to prioritize their health by adopting clean and healthy habits. This will boost immune systems and prevent the spread of various potentially harmful viruses," Dr. Widyawati stressed, as reported on the official Ministry of Health website on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Pro među Tjandra Yoga Aditama, a former director of communicable diseases at the World Health Organization (WHO) for Southeast Asia, shares four key points about the virus that the public should be aware of.
1. HMPV is Not a New Virus
Professor Tjandra explained that HMPV was first reported in a scientific journal in the Netherlands in June 2001. The article, titled ‘A newly discovered human pneumovirus isolated from young children with respiratory tract disease,’ detailed the discovery. Subsequent reports emerged from various countries like Norway, Romania, Japan, and China.
"HMPV is not a new virus. Scientists estimate that it has been circulating for decades before its official discovery," Professor Tjandra told detikcom on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
2. HMPV’s Connection with AMPV
Professor Tjandra further explained that the ‘human’ in HMPV shares a connection with Animal Metapneumovirus (AMPV). AMPV, previously known as Turkey Rhinotracheitis Virus (TRTV), was first identified in 1978 in South Africa. With four subtypes, AMPV causes diseases in poultry. Experts believe that HMPV in humans is an evolved variant of AMPV subtype C.
3. No ‘State of Emergency’ Declaration by Chinese Authorities
Professor Tjandra refuted false information circulating on WhatsApp, stating that the Chinese government has not declared a ‘state of emergency’ due to HMPV. No official statements from the Chinese government or the WHO support this claim.
4. HMPV vs COVID-19: Not a Fair Comparison
Rumors suggesting HMPV is similar to COVID-19 are unfounded, according to Professor Tjandra. He cited three reasons why:
- HMPV is not a new or variant virus; it has existed for decades, unlike COVID-19, which is a new strain of the coronavirus.
- Both viruses primarily affect the respiratory system, with symptoms including coughing, fever, and breathing difficulties. However, HMPV is less severe and does not require hospitalization in most cases.
- Seasonal increases in respiratory infection cases are common, especially during winter in countries with four distinct seasons, like China. Therefore, drawing parallels between HMPV and COVID-19 based solely on increasing case numbers is inaccurate.
Indonesia remains HMPV-free, but the public must stay vigilant and follow health guidelines to maintain their safety and that of others.
Story by Dyah Puspita Yulta and Sucahyo (dpy/suc)
