HMPV pandemic around the world...It is not at the level of a pandemic.

[Anchor]
As respiratory diseases spread around the world, concerns about a pandemic such as COVID-19 are growing.

In particular, HMPV and human metapneumovirus are exploding, and most experts believe that they are not at the level of the pandemic.

Reporter Kwon Young-hee reports.

[Reporter]
These days, various respiratory diseases are spreading at the same time around the world.

Flu, COVID-19, respiratory cell fusion virus called RSV, and norovirus are also prevalent.

On top of that, HMPV is also showing an explosive increase.

HMPV is the most serious in China.

The number of patients has increased significantly, mainly in the northern region.

As HMPV surges in China, many people are worried about the pandemic, recalling COVID-19.

China, which is blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic, immediately began an active explanation.

[Wang Liping / China CDC Researcher: HMPV is not a novel virus and has been with humans for decades. Recent reports have increased due to the development of inspection techniques.]

The medical community around the world also emphasizes that there is no need to worry too much.

In order for a pandemic to occur, mutations of existing viruses must be prevalent, but that is not the case yet.

It is also analyzed that the rapid increase in HMPV is the result of an increase in tests due to concerns about the COVID-19 situation.

[Andrew Pollard / Head of Oxford University Vaccine Group: Influenza is the most serious virus in the current risk group, followed by RSV and COVID-19 and possibly HMPV at the bottom.]

The problem is that it has become difficult to receive timely treatment as various respiratory diseases are spreading at the same time.

In addition, caution is needed because it can bring fatal symptoms to the elderly or high-risk groups with low immunity.

I'm YTN's Kwon Younghee.

Edit
video: Han Kyung-hee