No Cause for Alarm: South African Health Officials Respond to China’s Respiratory Virus

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JEREMY MAGGS: We are witnessing a new respiratory virus situation in China reminiscent of the early Covid-19 days, drawing considerable global attention. The South African government has confirmed they are closely monitoring the situation. But what does this mean for us back home?

I’m currently in discussion with Professor Cheryl Cohen, the head of the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. Professor, it’s great to have you with us. What can you tell us about the outbreak in China at this point?

CHERYL COHEN: Good afternoon, Jeremy. Thank you for having me. Right now, we are noticing a rise in respiratory illnesses in China, but I believe it’s an exaggeration to label it as an outbreak. As you pointed out, the media has been extensively covering this. At the moment, China is experiencing its winter season, typical for the Northern Hemisphere, which generally leads to an increase in respiratory diseases, and that’s what we are seeing.

While respiratory illnesses are on the rise in China, the World Health Organization suggests that the incidence aligns with what we typically expect during a regular winter.

JEREMY MAGGS: It’s easy to jump to conclusions, so do we have any evidence, Professor, that this virus might develop into a global threat akin to Covid-19?

CHERYL COHEN: Indeed, there is a level of global concern tied to the historical emergence of Covid in China. The virus primarily being discussed is the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), along with other common winter viruses like rhinovirus and influenza that are also circulating.

This virus is not new; it has been recognized for years as one of the pathogens causing standard cold and flu symptoms during winter.

In South Africa, this virus circulates year-round and contributes to respiratory illnesses.

Currently, it’s not regarded as a significant threat. It is already present here, and since it’s summer, we do not expect it to have a substantial impact on the population, which has developed immunity to it.

JEREMY MAGGS: As of now, there’s no indication that the virus could be spread through international travel, although South Africans may be concerned about tourists from affected areas.

CHERYL COHEN: Considering international travel, it’s crucial to remember that respiratory viruses can spread globally. For instance, influenza often moves from the Northern Hemisphere during winter. However, human metapneumovirus does not change rapidly, and we already have it in our borders. While isolated cases may appear, it’s not a virus that poses a significant risk for importation, as no unusual signals have been reported regarding the virus. The current circulation seems to follow a seasonal pattern.

JEREMY MAGGS: The government is rightly keeping an eye on the situation. Are there specific measures in place to manage any potential developments, or should there be?

CHERYL COHEN: The government, in collaboration with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, is continuously monitoring any global signals of emerging threats, whether viral or otherwise. We are actively observing the situation in China.

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South Africa has a pandemic preparedness plan that was developed and refined after the last pandemic to ensure that we are ready with strong responses.

However, the current assessment of risk from China is low, meaning that no additional measures are needed at this time.

JEREMY MAGGS: Regarding that pandemic preparedness plan, do you think we are generally better equipped now to face potential outbreaks compared to the past?

CHERYL COHEN: Absolutely. We have gained substantial insights from the challenges presented by Sars-CoV-2 (the coronavirus). We have learned which strategies work and which do not. The South African government has invested heavily in improving our preparedness by collaborating with international agencies like the World Health Organization to revise our plans and conduct simulations to test these enhancements.

I believe we are indeed better prepared than we were previously.

JEREMY MAGGS: In terms of this, is there an increased level of global collaboration in understanding and managing outbreaks? Is the world working together more effectively in this area?

CHERYL COHEN: Certainly, there have been significant initiatives to enhance global collaboration across various levels. A vital component involves the quick sharing of viruses and data as they become available. For example, the information we currently have regarding the increase in respiratory viruses in China comes from weekly reports published by the China CDC.

Since the pandemic, China has implemented a systematic method for monitoring respiratory diseases and produces reports that aid us in evaluating the current situation, comparing it with previous years.

This is a prime example of transparent communication that has proven essential for global risk assessment since the pandemic.

JEREMY MAGGS: To conclude this conversation, you’re not overly worried about the current situation.

CHERYL COHEN: At this moment, we assess the risk as low, and there are no grounds for concern. We remain vigilant regarding developments. If a novel virus emerges or disease levels dramatically increase, we will reassess our risk. But for now, there is no cause for alarm.

JEREMY MAGGS: Thank you very much, Professor. Cheryl Cohen, head of the Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

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