NICD has its eye on China, but says there's no need to panic over respiratory virus

JOHANNESBURG - The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says there is no need for panic over a widespread respiratory virus currently affecting China.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections spiked in December, with cases reported in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

HMPV first detected in 2001, with Dutch scholars finding it has existed for at least 60 years, occurring around the world as a common respiratory pathogen.

The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said the virus is transmitted through droplets when coughing and sneezing, and cases typically increase during winter and spring.

Children, patients with co-morbidities and the elderly are most at risk, with symptoms including a cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing.

In extreme cases, HMPV can result in bronchitis and pneumonia.  

The institute said it was not uncommon to see a rise in respiratory viruses in the Northern Hemisphere during their winter season.

Professor Cheryl Cohen, head of the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis at the NICD, said an increase in infections is expected, adding there is no cause for widespread panic.

Nevertheless, Cohen said the institute was monitoring the situation in China.

"All the information so far suggests that the viruses that are causing this respiratory illness are really some of the typical seasonal influenza or respiratory viruses that we see in the winter. At this stage, I think there isn't really any concern that this is a pandemic or a new virus."