The HPMV virus is unlikely to be come a global pandemic despite a surge in cases in China. Credit: Shutterstock / Prostock-Studio
A surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China has sparked concerns that the virus could become a global pandemic similar to Covid-19.
However, experts say that HMPV causes a mild flu-like illness and is “extremely unlikely” to cause a global health crisis as the virus is decades old and most children have contracted it before their fifth birthday.
“In contrast to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, HMPV has been around for decades, and there are high levels of immunity in the population,” said Martin Michaelis, a professor of molecular medicine at the University of Kent in the UK.
Here is everything you need to know about HMPV and how to protect yourself.
What is HMPV and what are its symptoms?
HMPV is an upper respiratory tract infection that peaks during winter and spring. It falls within the same scientific family as the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. HMPV typically causes symptoms that can last for up to a week, including a cough, fever, runny or congested nose and a sore throat.
Children below the age of one, the elderly and people with compromised or weak immune systems have a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, pneumonia and bronchitis.
However, most people contract HMPV before they turn five and have built up an immunity to the virus, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
“You can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection,” the US-based hospital said on its website.
Is it a new virus?
No, HMPV is not a new virus. Researchers in the Netherlands first discovered it in 2001. However, health experts believe the virus has existed for at least 60 years.
“It was first discovered in 2001 but was likely around well before this and not identified,” said Dr Andrew Catchpole, the chief scientific officer at hVIVO in the UK.
“It has been one of numerous common cold viruses that circulate every winter season each year, so no, it is not a new virus.”
Which countries are reporting a rise in HMPV cases?
The biggest surge in HMPV cases has occurred in China, particularly in the northern region. According to state news agency Xinhua, the number of cases has been rising since the middle of December, with most infections occurring in children under 14.
“The positive rate of influenza virus detection has been on the rise recently and has entered the seasonal epidemic period,” Ken Biao, the director of the Institute of Infectious Diseases of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said.
India has reported 11 cases of HMPV, including a six-month-old baby. The virus has also been found in Malaysia and Hong Kong. So far, there are no reports of HMPV in Spain.
“HMPV is usually detected in the winter periods but it does seem that the rates of serious infection may be higher in China” – Dr Andrew Catchpole, chief scientific officer at hVIVO
In the UK, HMPV positivity increased slightly to 4.5 per cent of laboratory samples in the week ending December 29, the latest data from the Health Security Agency shows.
“HMPV is usually detected in the winter periods but it does seem that the rates of serious infection may be higher in China than what we would expect in a normal year,” said Dr Catchpole.
“We need more information on the specific strain that is circulating to start to understand if this is the usual circulating strains or if the virus causing high infection rates in China has some differences.”
Will HMPV cause another pandemic similar to Covid-19?
According to health experts, HMPV will not cause another global health crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.
“HMPV is a common respiratory infection in winter, and we typically see activity reaching a peak at this time of year,” said Dr Conall Watson, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency. “Our surveillance systems in GP surgeries and hospitals indicate that levels are in line with what we would expect to see. Most people have had HMPV by the time they are five years old and catch it again throughout their lives,” Dr Watson added.
How is it transmitted?
Like the common cold, HMPV spreads through human contact, droplets caused by sneezing and coughing, or by touching surfaces, including phones, door handles, keyboards, or toys.
Shaking hands, hugging, or kissing somebody who has the virus can also increase your chances of contracting HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
How is HMPV treated?
Currently, there is no vaccine to protect people against HMPV. Antibiotics are also ruled out as a treatment option as they are only used for bacterial infections.
However, the UK’s NHS launched a vaccine for RSV in 2024, and researchers are using this to develop one for HMPV, as the viruses are similar.
“New vaccines are being developed, which could protect against both RSV and human metapneumovirus in one jab,” said Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group.
Mild symptoms can easily be managed at home by drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and taking over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, decongestants and cough suppressants to help symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic.
However, it warns: “Don’t give medications to kids without asking their paediatrician first – some medications that are OK for adults aren’t safe for kids,” it said.
How can I avoid catching HMPV?
Similar to recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts recommend washing hands regularly with soap and water and avoiding touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also a good option if you don’t have access to soap and water.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, other recommendations include avoiding people sick with a cold or other contagious diseases, wearing a mask in crowded areas, and not sharing food or eating utensils with others.
If you become sick, always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and consider wearing a mask if you go out or are with others.
