China's metapneumovirus is common disease circulating in winter and spring - WHO
Illustrative photo: WHO speaks about metapneumovirus (Getty Images)
The World Health Organization has said that the metapneumovirus (hMPV) that caused the outbreak in China is not a new virus, as it was discovered more than 20 years ago. This virus with an updated name circulates in the winter and spring, according to WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris.
According to the WHO representative, the reported incidence of respiratory infections in China is within normal limits.
“It's what we expect to see for the winter season,” Harris said.
Commenting on concerns in various countries about HMPV, which has caused a collapse of the medical system in China, the WHO spokesperson noted that hospital utilization in China is lower than in the same period last year and that no emergencies have been declared or emergency response launched in the country in connection with these respiratory infections.
“Regarding human metapneumovirus (hMPV): it is not a new virus. It has an unusual name so there has been a lot of interest, but it is not a new virus. First identified in 2001, and it has been in human population for a long time. It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring,” Harris said.
The WHO representative added that this virus usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold.
"Human metapneumovirus #hMPV is NOT a new virus.
— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) January 7, 2025
First identified in 2001, it has been in the human population for a long time. It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring. It usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold."
- @who pic.twitter.com/zojxwNLgH8
How virus spreads and how to protect yourself
Speaking about the possibility of hMPV spreading among people, the WHO noted that metapneumovirus can be contracted similarly to some other respiratory viruses: through droplets during coughing or sneezing and through touch, such as shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces.
According to Harris, simple measures can help prevent the spread. These include staying at home and isolating yourself, wearing masks, improving ventilation wherever possible, and covering your face with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Who is at particular risk
The WHO representative said that some people are at increased risk of severe illness with hMPV infections.
She said in some cases, like any common cold virus, it can lead to more serious illness in people who have no immunity or have very weak immune systems.
In addition, young children, including newborns, and the elderly are at risk.
On January 6, it became known that 13 cases of metapneumovirus infection were recorded in Ukraine.
In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, Natalia Vynohrad, head of the Department of Epidemiology at Danylo Halytskyi Lviv National Medical University and chief biosecurity expert at the National Security and Defense Council, said that it is very difficult to recognize metapneumovirus. The epidemiologist noted that a pandemic, as was the case with COVID-19, should not be expected.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
