Increase in Human Metapneumovirus Infection Cases... "Caution for Epidemic Among Infants and Young Children"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The number of patients infected with human metapneumovirus, which mainly affects infants and young children, is increasing, prompting health authorities to urge caution.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 14th, surveillance results by pathogen type for acute respiratory infections showed that human metapneumovirus increased from 24.8% during the week of the 11th to 17th of last month to 38.4% during the week of the 2nd to 8th of this month.

Typically, human metapneumovirus cases increase in spring to summer, but this year, cases have been rising since autumn. The KDCA estimates that the increase is due to the easing of COVID-19 social distancing measures.

Human metapneumovirus infection mainly occurs in infants and young children and is transmitted through direct respiratory droplets and indirect contact with secretions from infected individuals or contaminated objects. In children, the virus can be shed for up to three weeks and can be transmitted during the symptomatic period.

It is classified as a Class 4 legally notifiable infectious disease, with symptoms including fever, cough, sputum, runny nose, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can cause lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. There is no preventive vaccine or specific antiviral treatment, so symptomatic treatment using antipyretics is provided.

The KDCA urged strict adherence to basic prevention measures such as handwashing and mask-wearing. In particular, to prevent outbreaks in infant care facilities, they requested strict compliance with infection control principles including restricting attendance of staff and infants with respiratory symptoms, regular ventilation, mask-wearing, and prohibiting the sharing of personal items.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.