In social media, reports have been increasing about the spread of metapneumovirus in China and Kazakhstan. Rustamjon Ikromov, in an interview with Kun.uz, emphasized that exaggerated and baseless information about the virus is being circulated, and that this virus is not new.
According to the expert, metapneumovirus was first identified in the 1960s. "The reports about the increase of the disease are based on laboratory surveillance data from each country. That is, the official reports coming from China and Kazakhstan at the moment state that this disease is not new, and that metapneumovirus is on the rise due to the increase in acute respiratory infections. To consider it more dangerous than the coronavirus infection is nothing but an exaggeration. There’s no need to panic," Ikromov said.
The expert also stated that, like other acute respiratory infections, the virus can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sneezing, inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) or inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia), and it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia.
Since metapneumovirus is an acute respiratory infection, it spreads through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces.
"In Uzbekistan, measures regarding the increase of ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections) have been outlined, and guidelines have been issued for the regions on what actions need to be taken and what preventive measures should be implemented. The medical staff in Uzbekistan is well-prepared. Specifically, during the peak of ARVI, we have experience in organizing dedicated hospitals for treating these infections. In regions where ARVI cases are rising, specific hospitals are designated solely to treat ARVI patients, without accepting other illnesses," he noted.
According to Ikromov, metapneumovirus cases have also been detected in Uzbekistan. These account for 2 out of every 10 confirmed cases. Other respiratory infections, such as rhinovirus, are more common.
"With other ARVIs, treatment results are usually visible in 6-7 days, but for metapneumovirus, symptoms may last 10-12 days. Regarding treatment, there are no specific medications worldwide that target metapneumovirus itself. However, treatments for the symptoms, such as cough, fever, and inflammation, are effective and are being successfully implemented in Uzbekistan," said the specialist.
It was emphasized that the virus tends to affect children under the age of 14, individuals with weak immune systems, those with underlying conditions, and the elderly more severely.
Ikromov also added that there is no vaccine for metapneumovirus, and it is not considered to be a virus that could lead to a pandemic.
"From the perspective of infections that could potentially cause a pandemic, all respiratory infections worldwide are considered potential candidates. These diseases spread quickly and widely through human contact. However, metapneumovirus is not regarded as a pandemic-causing virus," he said.
Preventive measures include:
- Adhering to personal hygiene;
- Proper use of antiseptics for cleaning surfaces and hands;
- Wearing medical masks;
- Infected individuals should isolate themselves and avoid crowded places.
