Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the World Health Organisation, said in a news briefing on Tuesday China’s reported levels of respiratory infections are within the normal range. “It’s what we would expect to see for the winter season,”
To ease concerns, she noted that hospital utilization in China is currently lower than it was at this time last year, and no emergency declarations or responses have been initiated in the country related to these respiratory infections.
“It was first identified in 2001. It’s been in the human population for a long time. It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring.” says Harris
As China grapples with a surge in respiratory infections this winter, a lesser-known virus has garnered increasing attention.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which can cause both upper and lower respiratory illnesses across all age groups, is at the center of concern.
Recent data from the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a rise in HMPV cases in the country over the past few weeks.
However, HMPV is typically seen in the Northern Hemisphere during the winter months, and the CDC data also indicates increases in other common respiratory infections, such as the seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
In the United States, the CDC monitors HMPV cases in the same way it tracks other respiratory viruses. It is estimated that HMPV is responsible for 10 to 12 percent of respiratory illnesses in children.
Most individuals are likely to contract HMPV before the age of 5, with potential reinfections occurring throughout their lives.
HMPV is estimated to cause 10 to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children. Most people will contract the virus before the age of 5, with the possibility of reinfections later in life.
HMPV cases have been rising since November, but its weekly positivity rate remained low at 1.94% as of December 28, compared to 18.71% for flu and 7.10% for COVID-19.
According to executive director of the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists Janet Hamilton, it’s respiratory virus season for a reason.
“We’ve gotten very accustomed to thinking about those that have been really severe – so Covid, as well as flu and RSV – but there are a host of other respiratory viruses out there that you can get sick with” she said.
How does the virus spread?
HMPV spreads from person to person in a similar way to other respiratory viruses: through droplets from coughing or sneezing, and via touch, such as shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces.
“Simple measures can prevent spread. And these include, if you’re sick, if you’ve got symptoms, stay home,” Harris said.
“Also, if you’re in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, when you know that there’s a virus currently circulating, think about wearing a mask. Improve ventilation where you can,” she said.
“And of course, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.”
How is HMPV treated? Is there a vaccine?
Health care providers can test for HMPV, but there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment available. Resting at home, staying hydrated, and using some over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms.
Mild cases typically last a few days to a week, with many people recovering on their own within two to five days.
“It will present in the same way as flu, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, so the same advice applies for those affected – rest, take on fluids, try not to spread it to others,” said John Tregoning, a professor in vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, in a statement.
“If you do feel very unwell, go to your GP,” he added. “As it is a virus, antibiotics won’t have any effect.”
Who’s most at risk?
Certain individuals are at higher risk of severe HMPV infections, Harris explained.
“In some cases, like with other common cold viruses, it can cause more severe illness in those with weak or no immunity,” she said.
“This includes the very young, such as newborn babies — which is why you shouldn’t visit a newborn and kiss them when you’re sick — and the elderly, especially those over 90. That’s why you should avoid visiting your elderly relatives in hospital if you have a cold.”
Which countries have seen a rise in HMPV cases?
HMPV cases have been rising among children aged 14 and younger in northern China, according to Kan Biao, director of China’s Institute for Infectious Diseases. This increase coincides with the colder winter months, when respiratory infections tend to surge.
In response to the rise in cases, China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has begun piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin.
Other countries, such as India and the United Kingdom, have also reported seasonal increases in HMPV since late 2024. India has confirmed seven cases across states including Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
The Indian government has urged states to enhance surveillance for respiratory illnesses and advised the public to take standard precautions like washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with others.
In the UK, 4.5 percent of lab-tested samples were positive for HMPV between December 23 and 29, slightly up from the previous week. By comparison, 29.5 percent tested positive for influenza, and 2.5 percent for COVID-19.
Global data on HMPV remains limited, as surveillance and reporting for the virus are not as extensive or routine as for flu or COVID-19.
