Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading in China, but health experts say it’s not a repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike COVID-19, HMPV has been around for decades, so researchers understand how it spreads and can treat it.
Cases of HMPV have risen in northern China, particularly among children under 14. However, unlike during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, online videos showing crowded hospitals are not indicative of a new threat. This is because HMPV is an established virus that most people already have some immunity against.
Symptoms of HMPV include cold-like symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, which clear on their own in three to six days. However, the virus can lead to more serious conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in young children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems.
The spread of HMPV occurs through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and touching contaminated surfaces. There is no antiviral medication for the virus, but doctors may use oxygen therapy to help breathe or antibiotics to treat secondary infections.
Unlike COVID-19, HMPV was first identified in 2001 and has a well-understood mode of transmission and diagnosis. The World Health Organization does not consider HMPV as an emergency, citing lower rates of “influenza activity” compared to last year’s period.
To mitigate the public health risks of this outbreak, experts emphasize the need for enhanced surveillance strategies and data sharing between countries. By monitoring cases and taking proactive measures, China can prevent a potential public health crisis.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/why-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-not-new-covid-lockdown-pandemic-2025-1