Crowds of people wearing masks in Chinese hospitals – such scenes have been circulating on social media in recent weeks. This has raised a concern: is the world on the verge of another pandemic?
Beijing has acknowledged a rise in cases of an influenza-like virus in China. This virus is called Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV, and it is particularly affecting children.
However, HMPV is not a virus like COVID-19. Public health experts explain, “This virus has been around for decades, and nearly all children are infected with it by the age of five. But for some children and individuals with weakened immune systems, it can become severe.”
What is HMPV and how does it spread?
HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. It spreads through direct contact between two or more people. Additionally, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus can also increase the risk of transmission.
HMPV typically causes mild infections in the upper respiratory tract. For most people, it is difficult to distinguish the symptoms of HMPV from those of the flu. Common symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, and fever.
Dr. Su Li Yang, an infectious disease specialist in Singapore, explains that the highest risk of HMPV infection is among young children under the age of two. Additionally, older adults and those with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients, are more likely to be affected.
Dr. Su Li Yang mentions that a “small but significant” number of individuals with weak immune systems may face severe health issues if infected. These issues can include lung complications, loss of smell, difficulty breathing, and a barking cough known as “croup.” In such cases, hospitalization may be required. However, the risk of death from this virus is very low.
Why are HMPV cases increasing in China?
Like many respiratory infections, HMPV is most active during winter and spring. Some experts suggest that the higher number of cases during this season is because cold weather helps viruses survive longer. Additionally, people spend more time indoors during winter, and the enclosed environment makes it easier for the virus to spread.
The increase in HMPV cases in northern China is linked to the cold weather, which is expected to persist until March. Jacqueline Stephens, an epidemiologist at Flinders University in Australia, notes that the rise in HMPV cases is not limited to China; it is also increasing in other countries across the Northern Hemisphere. While this is concerning, it may simply be due to the seasonal pattern of the virus during winter.
According to health data from the United States and the United Kingdom, these countries have also seen a rise in HMPV cases since October.
How Concerning is HMPV?
According to Dr. Su Li Yang, HMPV has been around worldwide for decades. This means people across the globe have already been exposed to this virus at some point. As a result, the human body has developed some level of immunity against it.
What Experts Say About HMPV
Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia explains, “Almost all children get infected with HMPV at least once before the age of five. Throughout our lives, we may get infected with this virus several times. Therefore, I don’t think there is currently any indication of a severe global issue caused by this virus.”
To reduce the risk of HMPV infection, Dr. Su Li Yang suggests the following precautions:
- Wear masks in crowded areas.
- Avoid crowded places if you are at risk of severe respiratory complications.
- Maintain good hand hygiene.
- Get the flu vaccine.
