News — HARRISBURG, PA – Cases of the respiratory infection known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are on the rise in China – a development that has sparked global concern and caused several neighboring countries to issue public health advisories. Although cases are now appearing beyond mainland China, including in Hong Kong and Malaysia, have declared a public health emergency.
With echoes of COVID-19 still fresh – the first cases of coronavirus were identified in China five years ago – the rise of HMPV is stoking fears that the next global pandemic may come sooner rather than later.
HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and shares key symptoms with the common cold, including fever, runny nose, shortness of breath, coughing, and rashes. The risk of severe illness increases for individuals under the age of 5 and over the age of 65. It may also present additional complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or ear infections.
HMPV is not a new virus, and some experts say the increase in cases is for cold and flu season. Nevertheless, with neither a vaccine nor an antiviral therapy available, HMPV could have the potential to disrupt everyday operations in business, policymaking, and academia across the globe if appropriate steps aren’t taken.
, who serves as Associate Professor of Integrative Sciences at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, is available to comment on this development. Dr. Jackson earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Houghton College and his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Buffalo. After retiring from private medical practice, Dr. Jackson went on to teach courses in science and statistics at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and Harrisburg University (HU).
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To set up an interview with Dr. Jackson about the rise of HMPV in China and how it compares to the early days of COVID-19; how nations are likely to respond to and monitor the situation; how to reduce your risk of contracting infectious diseases during peak cold and flu season, or another topic related to public health, please reach out to Jessica Warren, Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, at [email protected] or 717.901.5159.
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