Ministry of Health speaks out about viral pneumonia in humans in China

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has just released official information on cases of pneumonia caused by the virus that causes pneumonia in humans, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has just released official information on cases of pneumonia caused by the virus that causes pneumonia in humans, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China.

The epidemic is currently attracting special attention in the media and social networks, as information about the increase in cases, overloaded hospitals and the state of emergency has been spread.

The Department of Preventive Medicine of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has updated the epidemic situation based on reports from China and closely monitored the disease's developments. Illustrative photo

Since early January 2025, media outlets have reported on an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown cause in China, mainly caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which causes respiratory symptoms similar to influenza and Covid-19.

Several images and reports of overcrowding at hospitals and crematoriums were also widely shared, raising public concerns about a new health crisis after the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this context, the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Department quickly contacted the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) to verify the epidemic situation and information shared through international media channels.

According to information from China, HMPV, along with other viruses such as influenza virus and Rhovirus, is the main cause of acute respiratory infections. These viruses tend to increase in winter and have the ability to spread rapidly in the community. Symptoms of HMPV are similar to seasonal flu, including cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Although there has been no official report from the World Health Organization on the epidemic situation in China, according to the General Department of Preventive Medicine, HMPV infections in China mainly appear in outpatient and emergency hospitals. HMPV can cause severe pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems, including children and the elderly.

The Department of Preventive Medicine of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has updated the epidemic situation based on reports from China and closely monitored the disease's developments.

According to the latest announcement from China on January 4, 2025, the cases of respiratory diseases caused by HMPV in this country are not unusual medical events, and these diseases are common diseases that appear in winter. However, given the contagious nature of respiratory viruses, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health continues to maintain close surveillance.

Faced with the epidemic situation that could affect public health, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has proactively implemented preventive measures.

The Department of Preventive Medicine has been proactive in monitoring and tracking the development of the epidemic. Domestic health agencies have also been asked to closely coordinate with WHO and China to update official information on the epidemic.

The Ministry of Health recommends that people continue to take measures to prevent winter infectious diseases, including washing hands regularly with soap or antiseptic solution.

Avoid contact with people who are sick or have respiratory symptoms. Wear a mask in public places, especially when around people who are sick. Get a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of getting sick from respiratory viruses.

The Department of Preventive Medicine has also requested medical facilities and Health Departments of provinces and cities to strengthen the prevention of infectious diseases in winter and spring, especially respiratory diseases such as influenza and HMPV.

While information about the HMPV pneumonia outbreak in China is still being closely monitored, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health affirmed that the current epidemic situation has not shown any signs of a major health crisis.

However, the Ministry of Health will continue to closely monitor and update official information from international health agencies to protect public health. At the same time, people need to take preventive measures and maintain health-protecting habits this winter and spring.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/bo-y-te-len-tieng-ve-benh-do-vi-rut-gay-viem-phoi-tren-nguoi-tai-trung-quoc-d238989.html