Metapneumovirus spread raises concerns, but how dangerous is it?

Metapneumovirus infection is currently spreading in several countries, with hospitals in China overwhelmed by children suffering from fever, cough, and sore throat. Recently, the number of cases has been increasing, and China has imposed a lockdown due to the virus's spread. In neighboring Kazakhstan, 30 cases have been recorded. So, how reliable is this information, and how dangerous is the metapneumovirus?

Rustam Ikramov, head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and the Public Health Committee, addressed these concerns in an interview with QALAMPIR.UZ:

"Metapneumovirus infection is not new, contrary to what some sources may suggest. This virus has been known since the 1960s, and it was isolated in pure form by Dutch scientists in 2001. Cases of metapneumovirus infection occur annually in many countries worldwide. In Uzbekistan, laboratory tests last year indicated that 1.2% of citizens were infected with metapneumovirus."

Ikramov explains that the disease caused by metapneumovirus shares symptoms with acute respiratory viral infections. These include cough, sneezing, fever, and, in some cases, complications like bronchitis, rhinitis, and pneumonia.

The virus is more prevalent in individuals with weakened immune systems, the elderly with comorbidities, and children under 14 whose immune systems are still developing. "The figures reported by health institutions in China and Kazakhstan regarding metapneumovirus are reasonable. However, it's important not to exaggerate the information and present it as more dangerous than it actually is, such as comparing it to the coronavirus," Ikramov said.

He further emphasized that metapneumovirus belongs to the group of acute respiratory viral infections, which are transmitted through airborne droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. Due to these transmission routes, the virus can spread rapidly. As a result, the healthcare system may face a higher burden due to the number of cases.

Ikramov also noted that preventive measures for metapneumovirus are similar to those for other respiratory infections. He advised focusing on personal hygiene, handwashing, mask-wearing for infected individuals, and avoiding crowded places. "The recommendations for public compliance with these measures have been misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary panic," he concluded.

When should businesses and schools close for quarantine in Uzbekistan?

According to Rustam Ikramov, head of the Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Wellbeing and the Public Health Committee, quarantine measures in businesses and schools are typically implemented when there is a significant and systematic increase in cases of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in a specific institution.

"If acute respiratory viral infections are observed to be systematically increasing in a specific institution, it may be possible to transfer one class, one group, or one team to remote teaching or remote work for a certain period of time. However, the current situation does not require this, The reason is that we have an epidemiologist, that is, to analyze to what extent the incidence is higher or lower compared to previous years. This is done by comparing the incidence of at least five years. That is, the rate is not yet high, and therefore it is not advisable to introduce quarantine in such cases, because When quarantine is declared, there are certain requirements for its implementation, and the implementation of these requirements must be justified. That is, a sick patient keeps himself in isolation, that is, a sick student or sick employee does not go to the workplace, place of study, place of upbringing, institution, a person is protected from infection with the disease

The second issue: citizens who feel sick should be treated, they are obliged to do so. That is why we have made the mask requirement mandatory in hospitals, and optional in other institutions. That is, a healthy person can use masks in this manner if they want to protect themselves.

The third measure: of course, the treatment of a sick patient should be carried out not on the recommendation of someone, but on the advice of doctors in the same area. and should be under their control," Ikramov said.

Uzbekistan is currently experiencing a seasonal increase in acute respiratory infections, and in such situations, it is crucial to follow prevention and hygiene protocols to minimize the spread of illness.