Eurasianet reports that unsubstantiated reports swirling on social media are sowing fear among parents in Central Asia’s nations about the rapid spread of the HMPV virus out of China. The panic reportedly reached such a point in Uzbekistan that the country’s Health Ministry issued a statement to dispel rumors that its main pediatric care hospital was full of sickened children.
According to the ministry, the facility in question underwent routine maintenance work, which was completed on January 6. The full resumption of operations “naturally led to an increase in the flow of patients," the ministry said, adding that the pediatric hospital did not treat children with infectious diseases in any event.
Hospitals in China have reportedly been flooded with suspected HMPV cases in recent weeks.
While rumors now circulating in Central Asia may be overblown, there appears to be some basis for public concern about the spread of the HMPV. Health officials in both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have issued health advisories cautioning families with small children to avoid crowded public spaces.
Many cases have already been reported in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Two local cases of HMPV have also garnered headlines in Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan is claiming no cases exist. No information about possible infections in Turkmenistan is publicly available.
HMPV is a virus that will lead to a mild upper respiratory tract infection – practically indistinguishable from flu – for most people. First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, the virus spreads through direct contact between people or when someone touches surfaces contaminated with it. The virus, which causes flu-like symptoms, has existed for decades and does not pose anywhere near as mortal a threat to sufferers as did Covid-19 during that virus’ initial outbreak. But HMPV can pose considerable danger to very young children and those with weakened immune systems. The very young, including children under two, are most vulnerable to the virus. Symptoms for most people include cough, fever and nasal congestion.
