6th January 2025 – (Biejing) Recent reports from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate a growing number of infections from Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus with symptoms similar to flu and COVID-19. This trend has raised major concerns, especially as the positivity rate among cases in children aged 14 and under shows a fluctuating upward trajectory.
Professor Wang Xinyu, Deputy Director of the Infectious Diseases Department at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, noted that while most HMPV infections are mild, they can escalate into pneumonia in high-risk groups, potentially leading to hospitalisation. He emphasised that the virus often co-infects with other pathogens, such as influenza and rhinoviruses, complicating the clinical picture.
Children under five, particularly those under two, as well as elderly individuals with chronic conditions and patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, are identified as high-risk groups. In fact, HMPV is the second leading cause of severe pneumonia in children, following respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), making vigilance crucial.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, and management primarily involves supportive care. Vaccination against influenza is recommended to indirectly reduce infection risks by enhancing overall immunity.
Preventative measures against HMPV mirror those for other respiratory viruses. Professor Wang highlighted the importance of hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, especially after returning home or before interacting with children. Wearing masks during peak seasons or hospital visits, avoiding crowded places, and regularly disinfecting frequently used items and toys can help mitigate the risk of infection.
The CDC points out that HMPV can cause acute respiratory infections in individuals of all ages, with symptoms in children potentially including ear infections, gastrointestinal issues, rashes, and febrile seizures. Despite being one of the most impactful viruses, HMPV remains relatively unknown, with limited treatment options available.
Most individuals recover from HMPV infections within seven to ten days; however, the immunity gained is weak, leaving them susceptible to future infections. The virus spreads similarly to other respiratory viruses, primarily through respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, contact with infected individuals, or handling contaminated objects.
Studies estimate that over 14 million children under five were infected with HMPV globally in 2018, resulting in more than 600,000 hospitalisations and over 16,000 deaths. As the winter and spring seasons approach, when various pathogens thrive, awareness and proactive measures are essential to protect vulnerable populations.
