China new virus outbreak: What is HMPV? Know symptoms, prevention tips and more

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus similar to flu, is causing a surge in infections in China, especially among children under 14.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, though its effects are generally mild, those with a weakened immune system, adults over 65 and young children are at a higher risk for the condition. Though its symptoms are similar to a cold, the first time you get the disease, the patient can get severely sick.

The virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, kissing, shaking hands, hugging and touching surfaces of objects like phones, toys, keyboards, and door handles, among others used by infected patients. 

What are its symptoms?
1) Cough
2) Fever
3) Nasal congestion
4) Shortness of breath or pneumonia
5) Sore throat
6) Wheezing
7) Rash

How is it treated?
While there are no antiviral medications to treat HMPV, doctors advise managing symptoms at home unless severely ill. Those with a severe HMPV infection are treated through oxygen therapy, IV fluids and corticosteroids. 
How to prevent HMPV
1) Wash hands often with soap and water
2) Use alcohol-based sanitiser
3) Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow, not with your hands, while sneezing
4) Avoid interacting with unwell patients
5) Use a mask if unwell
6) Avoid touching your nose, face, mouth and eyes
7) Avoid sharing food and utensils with others

Should we be worried about HMPV? 
Reports show no indication that HMPV is spreading beyond China or poses a global threat. However, the country's health authorities are actively monitoring the situation and have implemented a pilot monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin to better handle such outbreaks.

There are no screening measures for it at airports currently, though general health advisories are in place to alert people about respiratory illnesses.