Is Human Metapneumovirus the Next Pandemic Virus?

In recent weeks, China has recorded a significant increase in cases of respiratory infections caused by human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Although health authorities have ruled out that the situation represents a global health risk like Covid-19, The increase in respiratory diseases has set off alarms, especially in the winter months.

According to the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Rates of flu-like illnesses have grown in this winter of 2024, generating concern among the population and authorities. However, experts say that This is not a pandemic scenario.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said: Diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale than the previous year. In addition, authorities have denied rumors about collapsed hospitals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining basic hygiene measures.

What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

HMPV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. However, serological studies reveal that this virus has already been circulating among humans since 1950, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the United States.

It is an agent that causes acute respiratory infections (ARI), with a seasonal pattern that intensifies in the cold months.

“It is a virus that, in recent years, has gained greater relevance due to 2 factors: the increase in cases and the improvement of diagnostic techniques, such as PCR, which allow infections and co-infections to be identified more quickly,” explained the infectious disease doctor Roberto Debbag in statements to Infobae.

The H.M.P.V. It is transmitted mainly through respiratory secretions when coughing or sneezing, as well as by contact with contaminated surfaces. like toys or doorknobs.

According to the American Lung Association (ALA), Its symptoms include cough, runny nose, fever and sore throat. Although they generally resemble those of a common cold, In severe cases it can cause bronchitis, pneumonia and severe respiratory distress.

For most people, HMPV does not pose a serious danger. Nevertheless, Certain groups are more vulnerable, such as children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. In these cases, the infection can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia.

“Metapneumovirus is well known and is the second cause of respiratory diseases in winter in Argentina,” said infectious disease specialist Ricardo Teijeiro. For his part, Debbag added: “In children under one year old, the infection can be more serious. In adults, it can cause everything from bronchitis to pneumonia, mainly affecting the lower respiratory tract.”

The NIH reports that in older adults residing in care homes, morbidity and mortality associated with HMPV can reach 10%. This underscores the importance of protecting the most susceptible populations through preventive measures.

The outbreak in China: a worrying situation?

Despite the increase in cases in China, Experts insist it should not be compared to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to infectologist Teijeiro, it is not possible for a virus known as HMPV to cause a pandemic. “They are local epidemic outbreaks that usually appear during the respiratory virus season. These outbreaks start in Asia, move to Europe and the US, and then reach the southern hemisphere in winter,” Debbag explained.

In addition, specialists highlight that the current outbreak not only involves HMPV, but also other viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial, which are known as coinfections. Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Health Services in Brisbane, said the most important thing right now is to educate people about the virus to reduce its transmission.

The preventive measures recommended to avoid the spread of HMPV are similar to those of other respiratory viruses. The ALA and other health organizations advise:

1) Stay home if symptoms of respiratory illness occur.
2) Maintain adequate hand hygiene, washing them frequently with soap and water.
3) Wear masks in public spaces if you are sick.
4) Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, these practices proved effective in reducing the transmission of various respiratory diseases. “I’m not suggesting we go back to strict Covid restrictions, but staying home and practicing good hygiene remains crucial,” Griffin said. Teijeiro agreed, highlighting that these measures are especially necessary during outbreaks, not indiscriminately.

HMPV does not represent a global threat, but its ability to severely affect vulnerable groups deserves attention. The key to minimizing its impact lies in health education and prevention. Chinese authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining basic hygiene measures and rejecting misinformation, a strategy that could be replicated in other countries to prevent the spread of alarmist rumors.

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* The fight in the WHO between rich and poor countries in order for everyone to have access to vaccines
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