Surge in Respiratory Diseases in China with HMPV as a Key Concern + Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()?? Banking_SBI_Clerk?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

China is witnessing a significant rise in respiratory illnesses, particularly human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Social media reports highlight overwhelmed hospitals, strained pediatric facilities, and rising pneumonia and "white lung" cases.
Authorities in China have not officially declared an epidemic but are setting up protocols for handling unknown pathogens.
Key Developments
Monitoring System:
A pilot monitoring system for winter illnesses, including pneumonia of unknown origin, was launched in December 2024.
Rising Cases:
Acute respiratory disease cases showed an upward trend during December 16–22.
Multiple viruses like influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19 are spreading alongside HMPV.
Preparedness:
China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration is formulating a protocol for laboratories and disease control agencies to verify and handle cases.
Reports suggest no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV, emphasizing the need for preventive measures.
Global Monitoring:
India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with international agencies.
About Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
What is HMPV?
A virus causing symptoms similar to the common cold.
Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, or worsen COPD, especially in children and the elderly.
Symptoms:
Cough, wheezing, sore throat, runny nose, fever, and shortness of breath.
Can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia in severe cases.
Prevention:
Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
Avoid touching the face with unwashed hands.
Use masks when experiencing cold-like symptoms.
Treatment:
No specific antiviral treatment or vaccine is currently available.
Supportive care addresses symptoms.
Comparison with COVID-19
Similarities: Both cause respiratory issues like cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
Differences: HMPV primarily affects children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in Competitive Exams:
Q1. Which virus is primarily contributing to the recent surge in respiratory diseases in China?
(a) Influenza A
(b) Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
(c) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
(d) COVID-19
Answer: (b) Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Q2. Which of the following age groups is most affected by HMPV?
(a) Young adults
(b) Middle-aged individuals
(c) Children and the elderly
(d) All age groups equally
Answer: (c) Children and the elderly
Q3. Which Indian agency is closely monitoring the rise in respiratory diseases in China?
(a) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
(b) National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
(c) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
(d) Ministry of External Affairs
Answer: (b) National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
Q4. What are the similarities between HMPV and COVID-19?
(a) Both cause respiratory issues like cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
(b) Both primarily affect children and elderly.
(c) Both have specific antiviral treatments available.
(d) Both are caused by the Pneumoviridae family of viruses.
Answer: (a) Both cause respiratory issues like cough, fever, and shortness of breath.