Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, has assured the public that Uganda is equipped to handle contagious diseases, urging calm amidst reports of a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China.
In an interview, Dr. Atwine emphasized Uganda’s strengthened capacity in testing, surveillance, and healthcare personnel. She confirmed that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with international health organizations, is closely monitoring the situation in China and has implemented precautionary measures to address potential risks.
For now, Dr. Atwine ruled out the possibility of a lockdown due to developments abroad but encouraged the public to stay informed and practice good hygiene.
What You Need to Know About HMPV
HMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory diseases. It was discovered in 2001 and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, along with respiratory syncytial virus.
HMPV has an incubation period of three to six days. Symptoms include cough, nasal congestion, fever, and shortness of breath. Young children and adults aged 65 and older are among those at the highest risk of HMPV progressing to bronchitis or pneumonia.
How Does It Spread?
HMPV can spread through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, and touching objects that have the virus and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Is There Treatment for HMPV?
There are no antivirals to treat HMPV, so treatment consists of providing supportive care to patients with moderate or severe symptoms.
How Do I Prevent HMPV?
There is no vaccine to prevent HMPV, so prevention includes following basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water, covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and staying home when sick.
