Europe monitors virus surge in China; no threat seen to EU
During a conference in Brussels on Wednesday, European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrnčířová addressed media reports regarding the situation in China, highlighting a rise in metapneumovirus infections in the region. She emphasized that, based on the EC’s assessment, there is no immediate necessity to initiate preparations for a new pandemic.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is monitoring the situation in China, where since December 2024, there has been an increase in respiratory virus infections, including metapneumovirus (hMPV). This virus circulates regularly in the EU and EEA during the cooler months.
Human metapneumovirus can affect all age groups and normally causes mild-to-moderate respiratory illness but sometimes the infection can be severe in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, reports the ECDC.
Virus in China. European Commission's reaction
The ECDC emphasizes that the situation in China reflects a seasonal increase in infections and does not pose a threat to the EU. However, it recommends preparing for an increase in cases in the upcoming winter weeks.
In China, the increase in infections is particularly noticeable among children under the age of 14, with symptoms including high fever, cough, and sore throat. In some cases, the disease can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Chinese authorities downplay reports of overloaded hospitals, indicating that the increase in illnesses is typical for the winter season. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hMPV.
