"The hMPV almost does not cause death. I already checked the latest data and all data show that 100 percent of patients returned home safely," he said during an interview in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Wednesday.
His ministry has also checked historical data on hMPV cases. Based on several sources he referred to, no deaths were found, he said.
He, however, explained that the hMPV virus can be categorized as dangerous for humans who lack immunity as they cannot fight the virus. In such cases, the virus can cause death, he added.
The current spike in cases in China is a common occurrence from December to January, according to him. This is also seen in countries with four seasons.
However, the main cause of the increasing cases in China is not the hMPV, but Influenza H1N1.
"The increase has not been caused by hMPV. So, this information is false," he said.
Related news: Govt reports no case finding on HMPV virus in Indonesia
Translator: Ahmad Rafli Baiduri, Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
