Cases of respiratory virus HMPV remain low in Hong Kong, epidemiologist says, amid mainland China outbreak
Hong Kong Free Press
A leading epidemiologist has said that levels of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) remained low in Hong Kong amid an outbreak of the respiratory virus in mainland China.
David Hui, a professor of respiratory medicine at the Faculty of Medicine at Chinese University of Hong Kong, told TVB on Sunday that while HMPV infections had risen in mainland China, Hong Kong had not witnessed a similar trend.
As HMPV was not a new virus, having first been reported in 2001, Hui said that enhancing hygiene measures such as wearing face masks and washing hands frequently could help prevent a local outbreak.
According to Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, HMPV can cause acute respiratory tract infections in all ages, with similar symptoms to flu, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, and difficulty in breathing. The infection can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Currently there is no licensed vaccine for HMPV infection.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said during a press conference last Friday that cases of HMPV infection had risen among those under 14, particularly in the northern provinces.
Citing hospital statistics, Chinese state media reported a significant rise in HMPV infections in both northern and southern provinces.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s HMPV infection rate has remained low. According to the Centre for Health Protection, the infection rate of HMPV between December 14 and 21 was 0.72 per cent, which was slightly higher than the previous week’s 0.67 per cent but lower than the same period last year.
Flu peak coming soon
Separately, Hui said Hong Kong could expect to hit peak flu season in mid-January, as flu was spreading in Japan and Hongkongers who returned from holiday there may bring the virus back.
According to the Centre for Health Protection, the flu infection rate between December 14 and 21 was 1.35 per cent, higher than the previous week, which was 1.09 per cent.
Hui added that the Covid-19 infection rate remained low and was unlikely to lead to an outbreak.
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