According to CGTN, since mid-December 2024, the number of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China has increased, raising concerns about the emergence of a new virus five years after the outbreak of Covid-19.
However, Chinese health officials and doctors reassure people that HMPV is a familiar respiratory disease. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on January 3 that respiratory infections usually peak in winter. “The cases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale than last year,” Ms Mao said, assuring foreigners that they were still “safe to come to China”.
Patients at a hospital in Shanghai (China) during the Covid-19 Pandemic in January 2023
According to CGTN, Chinese media have reported an increase in HMPV infections with some cases describing flu-like symptoms, including dizziness, leading to speculation of a new disease.
However, Chinese experts say that HMPV is not a new threat. Researcher Trinh Le Xu at the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said HMPV is a common virus that has circulated in the world for more than 60 years but has only been identified in the early 2000s due to slowly developing and nonspecific symptoms. The researcher confirmed that for most patients, symptoms will gradually resolve in about a week.
Other infectious disease experts recommend that patients avoid self-diagnosing HMPV based on symptoms such as fever or dizziness and should seek medical attention or see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment if symptoms become severe. This disease has symptoms similar to other respiratory diseases including cough, nasal congestion, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort and high fever.
How to prevent and treat
Although most cases of HMPV infection have mild symptoms, a small number of cases in children may develop pneumonia after infection. Specialists emphasize the need to monitor the condition of children, the elderly and people with weak immune systems. Doctors recommend going to a medical facility immediately if you have symptoms such as prolonged high fever, coma, severe cough and difficulty breathing.
Chinese experts emphasize patient care because there is currently no specific medicine or vaccine to prevent HMPV. Patients with the disease are advised to rest, eat light meals, and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Besides, to prevent viruses, people should wear masks, wash their hands regularly, clean and keep their homes well-ventilated, and avoid going to crowded places.
HMPV in other places
Hong Kong SAR recently reported several cases of HMPV, according to the site The Independent. Taiwan and Cambodia are also closely monitoring the situation. Cambodia’s Department of Infectious Disease Control has issued a warning about HMPV, noting that the disease resembles Covid-19 and influenza.
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control says the disease poses a higher risk to children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
In India, officials said there is no need to panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus”. “There has been news circulating about a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be clear about this. Metapneumovirus is like any other common cold respiratory virus. For the very old and very children, it can cause flu-like symptoms,” said Dr Atul Goel, an official with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
