It was found that HMPV infection had occurred among those who visited outpatient clinics and received treatment according to the research data conducted in 2023 and 2024, and there is no need to be particularly alarmed, said Professor Dr Thet Khaing Win, Union Minister for Health.
On January 7, a coordination meeting on the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases that occur in winter was held at the Ministry of Health in Nay Pyi Taw.
To the meeting, Union Minister for Health Professor Dr Thet Khaing Win, Deputy Minister Professor Dr Aye Tun, high-ranking officials, superintendents, specialists, Office of the Directorate of Medical Services, officials from Disease Control Corps and National Health Laboratory and retired professors and officials attended.
In the meeting, the Union Minister said that respiratory infections are common during this winter season, and there are currently reports of an increase in respiratory infections in some of Myanmar's neighboring countries. According to the press release, seasonal flu Influenza A H1N1 is the most common and other respiratory infections including rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, mycoplasma pneumonia and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) are occurred.
The HMPV infection is different from the Covid-19 disease, which is a disease that has been occurring before. In Myanmar, in 2014 and 2015, according to the research conducted by the National Health Laboratory Department and the Department of Medical Research, it was found that there was infection cases found in the country. According to the research data conducted and respiratory infection surveillance process in 2023 and 2024, it was found that the HMPV infection occurred in those who visited outpatient clinics and received treatment. Therefore, since HMPV infection has been occurring according to the weather, it can be considered that there is already an immune system in people regarding this infection. The World Health Organization is monitoring the situation of the epidemic. The ministry is conducting disease surveillance activities by continuously obtaining international and local disease situation information, the World Health Organization's statements and recommendations. Public don’t need to be particularly worried and they should follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health and cooperate, the minister said.
After that, Deputy Minister Professor Dr Aye Tun said that the public should get correct health information about respiratory infections that occur during winter and the necessary preparations for laboratory tests and treatment.
After that, the participants discussed and presented the international and regional disease situation, the progress of the disease prevention and control treatment and suggested the activities to be carried out in the future, and the Union Minister gave a closing speech.
