Surging cases of a virus called the Human metapneumovirus or HMPV in northern China have prompted some online alarm due to its similarities with the COVID-19 outbreak.

The HMPV is a respiratory virus which cause symptoms similar to that of the common cold or influenza.  It was identified by a research group in the Netherlands in 2001, and prior to that was believed to have likely spread among humans for many years.  As it stands, hospitals in China are overflowing and emergency measures are in place to address it.

For more on what is known about the virus is Prof Jantjie Taljaard, Infectious Diseases specialist, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University.

Surging cases of a virus called the Human metapneumovirus or HMPV in northern China have prompted some online alarm due to its similarities with the COVID-19 outbreak.
The HMPV is a respiratory virus which cause symptoms similar to that of the common cold or influenza. &nbsp;It was identified by a research group in the Netherlands in 2001, and prior to that was believed to have likely spread among humans for many years. &nbsp;As it stands, hospitals in China are overflowing and emergency measures are in place to address it.
For more on what is known about the virus is Prof Jantjie Taljaard, Infectious Diseases specialist, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch University.

Africa Rise & Shine

China sees surging cases of the HMPV, what is known about it?

South Africa has welcomed over seven million tourists between January and October last year, with more than 76 percent of them coming from Africa.  

South African Tourism says the country's wildlife remain the attraction for many tourists.

Channel Africa's Sisi Segalo spoke with the head of Public Relations at South Africa Tourism Thandiwe Mathibela and began by asking her to confirm the numbers of tourists who visited the Sub-Saharan country.

South Africa has welcomed over seven million tourists between January and October last year, with more than 76 percent of them coming from Africa. &nbsp;
South African Tourism says the country's wildlife remain the attraction for many tourists.
Channel Africa's Sisi Segalo spoke with the head of Public Relations at South Africa Tourism Thandiwe Mathibela and began by asking her to confirm the numbers of tourists who visited the Sub-Saharan country.

SA welcomes over 7 million tourists between January & October 2024, mojority of them coming from Africa

The South African Purchasing Managers Index PMI® wrapped up the year on a weak note, with private sector firms reporting the first decline in business activity in four months.

S&P global's latest survey reveals that subdued demand led to stagnant sales growth and a slowdown in hiring.

The sector also faced rising inflationary pressures, with increased costs pushing firms to raise their selling prices.

As a result, the outlook for 2025 softened, with business confidence retreating from recent multi-year highs.

On a brighter side, however, supply chain pressures appeared to ease, prompting firms to increase their input purchases.

Channel Africa business reporter Innocent Semosa has more.

The South African Purchasing Managers Index PMI&reg; wrapped up the year on a weak note, with private sector firms reporting the first decline in business activity in four months.
S&amp;P global's latest survey reveals that subdued demand led to stagnant sales growth and a slowdown in hiring.
The sector also faced rising inflationary pressures, with increased costs pushing firms to raise their selling prices.
As a result, the outlook for 2025 softened, with business confidence retreating from recent multi-year highs.
On a brighter side, however, supply chain pressures appeared to ease, prompting firms to increase their input purchases.
Channel Africa business reporter Innocent Semosa has more.

The SA Purchasing Managers Index PMI® wraps up the year on a weak note

Four young Kenyan men who disappeared last month following a spate of abductions have been freed on Monday.

The abductions which generally target government critics and are believed to be the work of security agents, began in June last year during the nationwide anti-tax protests, but increased in December.

According to data by Kenya's National Commission on Human Rights, which is a government-funded body, 82 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded in the past six months, compared to just nine cases in the 18 months preceding that.

To give us an update, we are now joined by Wachira Mwangi a photojournalist working for Nation Media Group's Daily Nation newspaper in Mombasa.

He has covered protests that demand for their release of those kidnapped.

Four young Kenyan men who disappeared last month following a spate of abductions have been freed on Monday.
The abductions which generally target government critics and are believed to be the work of security agents, began in June last year during the nationwide anti-tax protests, but increased in December.
According to data by Kenya's National Commission on Human Rights, which is a government-funded body, 82 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded in the past six months, compared to just nine cases in the 18 months preceding that.
To give us an update, we are now joined by Wachira Mwangi a photojournalist working for Nation Media Group's Daily Nation newspaper in Mombasa.
He has covered protests that demand for their release of those kidnapped.

China sees surging cases of the HMPV, what is known about it?

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