Recent headlines concerning a respiratory infection surge in Northern China have ignited debate on the way the media report on infectious diseases. The first few reports even wrongly implied that the virus behind the infections, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), was a newly discovered disease. Public health experts have raised concerns regarding responsible communication of global disease outbreaks with such representation, especially in attention-grabbing headlines.
According to Dr. Raywat Deonandan, an epidemiologist and professor at the University of Ottawa, “It’s not a new disease; it’s not unique to China.” Actually, HMPV was first reported in the Netherlands in early 2000, and ever since then, this is just a common respiratory virus that’s circulating in the whole world for so long. “It’s not, ‘Here’s a new disease you should be aware of,'” said Dr. Deonandan.
Even as the number of cases of HMPV is spiking in December in China, according to more recent reports, infections are reportedly receding now and healthcare capacities within the area have stabilized. According to many observers, publicity in the media for this outbreak only amplified public apprehensions, citing as a main reason increased world attention to infectious diseases since COVID-19.
What Is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus is a type of respiratory virus that typically mimics the clinical manifestations of the common cold with symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever. Although its symptoms are not severe, its risks are real to young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. The primary mode of infection is through respiratory droplets and subsequent surface contact since it survives a few hours on surfaces.
According to Dr. Satchan Takaya, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Saskatchewan, HMPV isn’t as concerning as it may seem from media coverage. “In our infectious diseases world, human metapneumovirus isn’t a big deal, but it’s become a big deal in the media,” Dr. Takaya noted. She emphasized that the virus is no more contagious than other cold viruses.
The Pandemic’s Influence on Disease Awareness
The COVID-19 pandemic has really increased public awareness of infectious diseases. The general public is now more sensitive to news about potential outbreaks, which scares them as if it would happen again, as did with the COVID-19 global crisis. According to Dr. Deonandan, this vigilance has made infectious disease news more prominent and sometimes created a disproportionate concern over familiar or less severe illnesses such as HMPV.
According to a public health researcher and assistant professor at the University of Toronto, Christine Fahim, the broad attention on communication about disease amid the pandemic period has transformed people’s perceptions on such news. People now heed more attention and, in certain cases, heighten misunderstandings concerning the same issues.
Enhanced Disease Communication
Experts tell media to exercise responsible reportage as far as epidemic cases are concerned. To Dr. Deonandan, media should always assist public enlightenment and make the public know that most of the viruses, including HMPV, are not new but a cycle of recurring infections.
“Media should normalize constant presence of this disease and normal seasonal patterns,” he said in a report, advising reporters against sensationalism because many readers or audiences may be misled and frightened unnecessarily.
With evolving global health concerns, clear and accurate communication will continue to play a role in informing the public and reducing unnecessary fear. Focusing on prevention and preparedness rather than panic is possible with facts about diseases like HMPV.
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