The Indonesian island of Bali has stepped up monitoring of foreign visitors, especially from China and Malaysia, to prevent the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in the tropical paradise even as Jakarta’s health ministry urged locals to “stay calm” and maintain good hygiene.
First discovered in 2001, HMPV is a “common virus that circulates in winter and spring”, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
China and other countries in Asia have seen an uptick in cases involving the respiratory virus in recent weeks, prompting the UN health agency to assuage concerns over a possible global outbreak.
“China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the usual range for the winter season,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said on Tuesday.
“Authorities report that hospital utilisation is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered.”
The pathogen usually causes normal cold symptoms including cough, fever and nasal congestion. In some people with weak immune systems, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.
