Kenya Speaks On Threat Posed By COVID-Like Virus Spreading In China
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The Ministry of Health on Tuesday, January 7 issued its advisory following reports of the possible outbreak of flu-like illness caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
In its statement, the Ministry however noted that HMPV is not a new virus, and has been documented as a circulating pathogen contributing to respiratory illnesses in Kenya.
According to Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, even though the virus is not within the Republic of Kenya, the national public health surveillance system remains on high alert to contain any potential cases.
"We are happy to confirm that currently, there is no reported increase in the expected number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in our health facilities," CS Barasa assured Kenyans.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa during a senior management meeting on November 25, 2024. /MINISTRY OF HEALTH
"The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of all Kenyans. We request members of the public to remain vigilant, and continue observing public health practices such as hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette as promoted through the Epuka Uchafu Afya Nyumbani initiative."
CS Barasa advised Kenyans that for any unusual cases of severe respiratory illness, they are advised to seek medical assistance from the nearest health facility as soon as possible. "Further information will be provided as it becomes available," added the statement.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold, according to Cleveland Clinic.
It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring.
Most people get HMPV before they turn 5. One can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after their first infection.
Reports of the virus outbreak gained momentum in China in recent weeks. The virus, which has been likened to the Coronavirus, has sparked fears worldwide, particularly among individuals suffering from respiratory diseases.
Photos and videos of people wearing masks in the streets of China have raised eyebrows on the internet with some expressing concerns over its possible spread to other countries.
Some Kenyans even feared that an outbreak of the virus on Kenyan soil would overwhelm current health systems in the country, worse than how the country handled COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.
Recently in India, the virus was allegedly detected in two infants including a three-month-old girl and a six-month-old boy within the Karnataka and Gujarat regions, with the victims reportedly portraying respiratory struggles.
Despite its resurgence, the virus was first recorded in 2001 in the Netherlands and is said to spread through direct contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces.
