ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia announced that it had discovered cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in the country.
As is known, the HMPV virus is in the public spotlight because it recently broke out in China. The public is afraid that the spread of the HMPV virus will be similar to Covid-19.
Responding to this, the Indonesian Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin asked the public not to panic, even though the virus has entered Indonesia. Because HMPV is not a new virus and is already known in the medical world.
He said the HMPV virus is different from Covid-19. Meanwhile, Covid-19 is a new virus, while HMPV is an old virus that is similar in nature to flu.
According to him, the human immune system has known this virus for a long time and is able to respond well to it.
“Unlike Covid-19 which only appeared a few years ago, HMPV is an old virus that has been around since 2001 and has been circulating throughout the world since 2001. So far nothing has happened,” he said in an official statement, Tuesday, 7 January 2024.
Regarding the news about the increase in HMPV cases in China, Budi Gunadi emphasized that this information was not true. This has also been confirmed by the Chinese government and the World Health Organization (WHO).
He emphasized that an increase in cases of the common cold in four-season countries like China often occurs during winter.
Characteristics and symptoms of the HMPV virus
Budi Gunadi said that transmission of the HMPV virus is similar to other flu viruses, namely through splashes of saliva or droplets from infected individuals.
“HMPV is not a deadly virus. This virus has characteristics similar to the common cold, with symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose and shortness of breath. Most people who are infected will recover on their own without requiring special treatment,” he said.
Even though it is generally not dangerous, vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and individuals with certain health conditions still need to be alert.
Symptoms of HMPV are similar to other flu illnesses such as cough, fever, and blocked or runny nose. In fact, in some cases, sufferers can experience shortness of breath which is a precursor to bronchitis and pneumonia. Meanwhile, the duration is known to depend on the severity of the symptoms experienced by the sufferer, but is generally comparable to the flu.
The following are the symptoms caused by the HMPV virus
– Cough
– Fever
– Runny or blocked nose
– Sore throat
– Asthma
– Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
– Rash
– Easily tired and sore in some parts of the body (only in some cases)
Therefore, the Minister of Health appealed to the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as getting enough rest, washing hands regularly, wearing a mask when feeling unwell, and immediately consulting medical personnel if suspicious symptoms appear.
“The most important thing is to remain calm and alert. “By following health protocols, namely maintaining distance, washing hands and wearing masks, just like Covid-19, we can overcome this virus well,” he added. (AT Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel