Foreign Ministry Responds to Recent Virus Infection Concerns

Source: OT-Team(G)，外交部

  During a regular press conference on January 10, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun answered reporters' questions regarding the recent HMPV virus.

  Beijing Daily: Recently, there is a lot of attention on the increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. The health departments of certain countries issued prevention advice to their nationals. Some are concerned about the safety of traveling to China and there are even claims about "unknown virus in China" on the internet. The World Health Organization said that China's reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range and that HMPV is not a new virus, but a common one. Many experts also said that there's no sign of a more serious global health issue. What's your comment?

  Guo Jiakun: We've recently answered several relevant questions. Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere and influenza viruses are common pathogens. The overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China are lower than last year. 

  Regarding the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) you mentioned, as we have learned from the competent authorities, it is not a new virus. HMPV has circulated in humans for at least 60 years and is a common virus that causes upper respiratory infections. HMPV infections are self-limited. Calling this common virus "unknown" is inconsistent with basic science and essentially fear-mongering.

  The Chinese government takes seriously the health of its own people and foreign nationals in China. China's competent authorities and technical agencies took proactive steps to carry out sentinel surveillance for various acute respiratory infectious diseases and released surveillance results. Chinese disease control experts have told the public on multiple occasions how to take science-based protective steps. Also, China and WHO stay in close and regular touch and share timely information on respiratory diseases. We will continue to do what's necessary and do our best to make sure it is comfortable, safe and convenient for both Chinese and foreigners to travel in China. It is also important for everyone to make a common effort for personal and family health.