Are your family members and relatives (including you) experiencing cough, flu, and other respiratory diseases? According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the spread of the diseases is expected, and it is common for many respiratory diseases to spread at the beginning of every year.
In an official statement, MOH clarified that despite the rampant spreading of the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, the virus is not new in Malaysia. This came after cases of HMPV were also reported in Malaysia recently.
In 2024 alone, 327 cases of HMPV were reported in Malaysia, which showed an increase from the 225 cases in 2023.
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Cases of Norovirus and HMPV are being reported at hospitals in China, causing the hospitals to be swarmed with patients who are infected with respiratory diseases.
As of now, MOH reminded Malaysians that respiratory diseases will continue to live with us, and all we can do is be cautious while facing the diseases.
“The public is advised to be proactive in taking care of your health and preventing the disease from spreading, especially in closed or crowded spaces.”
At the time of writing (January 6), there is no vaccine for HMPV. Regardless, MOH said that the Ministry will continue to monitor the situation within and outside the country, including the spreading of other respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 and Influenza.
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In its statement, MOH also said that the last COVID-19-related death was reported in April 2024. Despite the improvement, MOH reminded Malaysians that the sub-variants of the virus have not completely gone.
The last case involving the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus was reported on 24 November 2024.
Simply put, MOH suggests everyone to mask up should they experience any symptoms to avoid spreading the infection and wash their hands regularly to maintain hygiene. If your symptoms worsen, visit a hospital or clinic immediately.
In the meantime, you can read the article below about what might come in handy if you become infected with the Norovirus.
