Two cases of metapneumovirus infection detected in Kyrgyzstan

Two cases of metapneumovirus infection were detected in Kyrgyzstan at the end of last year, according to the Kyrgyz Healthcare Ministry, Report informs via Kyrgyz media.

Messages about a metapneumovirus outbreak in China began spreading in media and social networks. Kazakhstan recently reported 30 cases of the disease.

The Ministry of Health notes that particular interest is drawn to a recently discovered pathogen called "human metapneumovirus" (MPVI). It causes acute respiratory viral infections in humans, most often in children. It was discovered in 2001. The Ministry of Health conducts sentinel surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections, with samples being sent for testing.

From weeks 40 to 52 of 2024, 1,144 samples were collected, revealing two cases of metapneumovirus. "It turned out that this is not a new virus. People of all age groups can get infected, but symptoms are more pronounced in children under five and elderly people. The main transmission route is airborne droplets, with possible transmission through contact. The incubation period usually lasts 3-5 days," the statement says.

MPVI symptoms can be similar to common cold or flu, including runny nose, cough, headache, and fever. However, MPVI patients may also experience shortness of breath, bronchitis, and pneumonia, making the infection more dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, children, and elderly patients.