The Know Daily - Wednesday 15 January 2025

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234 new plants, reptiles, amphibians, fish and mammals were found in the Greater Mekong area – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam – in 2023, according to a recent report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Each newly discovered species is a sign of “a functioning, healthy ecosystem,” said a WWF spokesperson.

🦠 HMPV rise

There’s been an increase in HMPV cases in China – here’s what you need to know.

Hold up – what’s HMPV?
HMPV – human metapneumovirus – is an illness that causes flu-like symptoms such as a cough, fever and shortness of breath. It was first detected in 2001 in the Netherlands and outbreaks mostly occur in the colder months, being spread by touching contaminated surfaces or inhaling infectious droplets. Unlike Covid-19 or influenza, it’s not a notifiable disease, meaning that upon detection it’s not required to be reported to public health authorities.

What’s the story?
There’s a surge in cases in Northern China, according to local authorities. Chinese officials have stepped up monitoring of respiratory diseases, with cases expected to rise over the winter and into spring. Alongside this, photos circulating on social media of hospitals in China full of people wearing masks has caused some to speculate about another pandemic, according to Sky News. 

Should I be worried?
Nope. There’s not a risk of a Covid-19-style pandemic with HMPV, according to medical experts. Covid-19 was a new disease which spurred the pandemic-level spread but HMPV has been around for decades and so there’s a global level of immunity. Plus, the latest UK data for December shows that the number of cases is in line with what's normally expected this time of year.

However, given that there’s no vaccines or antivirals – although some vaccines are being developed – it’s important to stay educated on how to reduce transmission and practice good hygiene. Some practical tips include following good cough and sneeze etiquette, not going into work if you’re sick and wearing a mask to prevent infecting others, infectious disease experts told The Guardian.

📱 Media migration: Chinese social media app RedNote is surging in popularity, days before a TikTok ban in the US may come into force. 

• The bigger story: The proposed TikTok ban is based on national security concerns, and many users are moving to RedNote as “a form of protest”.

🐶 Cultured canines: Some museums in Italy now offer visitors free dog-sitting services.

🇰🇷 Presidential arrest: South Korean authorities have arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol who is facing insurrection charges for attempting to impose martial law last month.

✈️ Bumpy rides: These are the world’s most turbulent flight routes. 

🌕 Lunar display: The moon is set to receive a new art installation this week.

❤️ Royal recovery: The Princess of Wales announced her cancer is in remission, following a visit to the hospital she received treatment at.

☕ Customers only: Starbucks is reversing its “open-door policy” in North American stores.

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Trivia answer: A) Timothée Chalamet is set to show off his hosting and singing skills on 25 January.

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