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January 6, 2025 | 12:05 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, addressed concerns over the spread of the Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in China through late 2024 and into 2025. The Minister reassured the public that HMPV is not deadly, likening it to the common flu.
“HMPV is not fatal, that’s a misconception. It behaves just like the common flu,” Budi stated on Monday, January 6, at the Directorate General of Health Workers Office in South Jakarta.
He urged the public not to panic, noting that HMPV is an established virus that has been circulating globally since 2001 and has been present in Indonesia for years without causing significant issues. The Minister emphasized that the human immune system is already familiar with the virus, in contrast to new viruses like COVID-19.
“If it were a new virus like COVID, the human body wouldn’t know how to respond. As a result, when it attacks, the body struggles, confused as how to fight it off,” Budi explained.
Reports from China have highlighted overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums amid the virus's spread. HMPV is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and viruses responsible for mumps and measles. Its symptoms and transmission are similar to those of the common flu.
The Health Ministry’s spokesperson Widyawati also urged the public to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle and wearing masks in crowded spaces. "It’s essential to strengthen the immune system and prevent the spread of viruses that could threaten public health," her written statement read on January 4.
The Indonesian government is closely monitoring the HMPV outbreak, with enhanced surveillance at entry points and quarantine measures for international travelers showing signs of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).
While there is no specific vaccine or treatment for HMPV, Widyawati noted that supportive care—such as hydration, fever management, and adequate rest—can help alleviate symptoms. "Seek medical attention if you experience respiratory symptoms," she advised.
Irsyan Hasyim contributed to the writing of this article.
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