Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease that causes flu-like or common cold symptoms but can increase the risk of serious illness or more serious complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in the elderly, young children and people with weakened immunity, on Monday the 6th of January, writes The Guardian.
The disease belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and has been known since at least 2001, when it was first detected in the Netherlands. Outbreaks occur mainly during winter.
Why is HMPV being reported and talked about?
According to local authorities, there has been a sharp increase in cases in northern China, especially among children. The National Centre for Disease Control has warned people to take precautions regarding health and hygiene but has also refuted claims on the internet about overcrowded hospitals and fears of another Covid-19-like pandemic.
“Respiratory infections usually peak in the winter season,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Friday, adding that compared to last year, this year’s illnesses are less severe and spread on a smaller scale.
The apparent increase in cases is likely partly due to new technologies that make it easier to detect and identify HMPV, experts told The Guardian.
In addition, “I think we are now more cautious about disease outbreaks,” said Dr Jacqueline Stephens, senior lecturer in public health at Flinders University in Australia. “Everyone is on high alert and the term “human metapneumovirus” sounds quite scary.”
How serious is HMPV?
The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of a cold or flu and are often included under the “common cold” category, said Stevens. It is not a disease that needs to be reported, as is the case with Covid-19 or flu.
“There’s a range of others … that are not notifiable because they are very common and lots of people get them. They make us feel terrible for a few days, but if we rest and recover for a few days, then we get better,” said Stevens.
Who is most at risk?
HMPV can cause more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia in the elderly, very young children and people with weakened immunity.
“It can certainly cause and does cause severe illness, so I think it’s important that people know it exists,” said Professor Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Brisbane’s Mater Health Services.
“There’s not much we can do at the moment except educate people to reduce the spread of infection. There is no vaccine or antiviral drug, although some vaccines are being developed,” said Griffin.
How worried should we be?
HMPV has been around for decades and people have developed some immunity to the virus, unlike Covid-19, which was a new virus.
“I don’t think we should worry about a pandemic of this virus, but the increase in cases and its impact is significant,” said Griffin, adding that the Covid-19 experience could help reduce the spread of HMPV, especially as there are no vaccines or drugs against the virus.
What should we do?
Griffin pointed out that after the effective precautions of Covid-19, people are now taking less precautions, which has led to an increase in new cases.
“I am certainly not suggesting a return to the strict restrictions of Covid-19, but, when sick, it is very important to stay indoors, observe cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene during the winter season,” he added.
Both experts also urged people not to go to work while ill, and Stevens advised wearing a mask if you do have to go out in public to avoid further infecting others.
New covid-like virus outbreak in China: what is human metapneumovirus and should we be worried?
