Health Minister Alexandru Rafila told AGERPRES on Thursday that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus, as it was first identified in 2001, and every year in Romania, tens of thousands of cases are reported.
"This is not something new. It is a virus that was first identified in 2001 and is responsible for a large part of respiratory infections, especially during the cold season. An etiological diagnosis is not usually made, as most infections are mild, simply common colds that occur more frequently in children or people over 65. Sometimes, like with any viral infection, more severe cases can occur, and then an etiological diagnosis is made. This year, such a case was identified in a laboratory in Oradea, but there is nothing special about it, nor is it a virus from China. This is a virus that typically circulates in the Northern Hemisphere during this time of year," explained the minister.
He added that the virus causes common colds, especially during the cold season, and has been doing so for many years in Europe, in the Northern Hemisphere, and globally.
Referring to the flu, Alexandru Rafila said Romania has not yet seen an epidemic-type evolution of flu cases.
"At the moment, there is no epidemic-type evolution of the flu infection. The flu is being monitored primarily. The [HMPV) virus has been present in Romania every year. Tens of thousands of cases occur annually with this virus. It's nothing new, it causes common colds. Yes, there are some severe cases... but these are people with immune deficiencies, with associated diseases. It didn't come from China...," said the Health minister.
Comentează