Surge in HMPV cases in China raises concerns about new outbreak
Rates of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease that causes cold and flu-like symptoms, are surging in northern regions of China, raising concerns about the possible spread of the virus.
“China is experiencing a large outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases at the moment. Although this is a priority for China’s health system, it should not lead to immediate concerns about a new pandemic,” said Sanjaya Senanayake, a specialist in infectious diseases at the Australian National University.
At the end of 2024, China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in the positive rate of HMPV among children under 4 years old, particularly in northern provinces, along with rising cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu. Additionally, three cases of HMPV have been detected in India.
Despite claims on some social media platforms that a state of emergency has been declared, Chinese authorities, along with the World Health Organization (WHO), have not confirmed these reports. Moreover, the Chinese Foreign Ministry further emphasised that the situation is a typical winter occurrence.
The disease, which typically belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), has been known since at least 2001, when it was first identified in the Netherlands.
HMPV may cause coughing, fever, a runny nose, wheezing, a sore throat, a shortness of breath, and a rash. Most people experience relatively mild symptoms, but it can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. Accordingly, public health experts are advising people to take the same precautions as for other respiratory infections, including staying at home when sick, washing hands regularly, and wearing a mask in public.
