A surge in human metapneumovirus (hMPV) cases in China is raising concerns in neighboring countries, with Indonesia and Vietnam closely monitoring the situation.
While China’s winter illness season is reportedly less severe compared to last year, the sharp rise in hMPV cases has brought renewed attention to this flu-like pathogen.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified hMPV as a primary cause of respiratory illnesses and hospitalizations this winter.
The virus, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like issues to severe pneumonia, has also been reported in India, Malaysia, and Hong Kong in recent days.
Health Authorities of the Region in High Alert
Health authorities in Indonesia and Vietnam are tracking the hMPV surge in China but have urged their populations to remain calm.
“There is no need to panic, but vigilance is key,” said an Indonesian health official.
The rise in hMPV cases coincides with an overall increase in flu-like illnesses across China. Experts suggest that the spike is drawing greater attention this year due to enhanced virus detection capabilities developed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
These advancements have allowed for quicker identification of pathogens like hMPV, which was first discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands but has often gone undetected in the past.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Human metapneumovirus typically causes mild respiratory symptoms, including coughing, fever, sore throat, and runny nose.
However, it can lead to severe complications, particularly in high-risk groups such as young children, elderly individuals with chronic conditions, and patients with weak immune system.
“There is no vaccine for hMPV, which makes early diagnosis and management crucial,” said Professor Jill Carr, a virologist at Flinders University.
“Unlike Covid-19, hMPV is not a new virus, and its spread is less alarming in terms of transmissibility. Still, it can pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.”
Improved Detection
China’s increased ability to detect respiratory pathogens like hMPV has played a significant role in identifying the current surge. Previously, lab testing for such pathogens was slow, often delivering results long after a patient had recovered. New testing technologies now provide results within minutes, leading to faster diagnoses and greater awareness.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also been monitoring the situation closely. In 2023, an increase in pneumonia cases among children in China prompted the WHO to seek detailed data on the pathogens in circulation.
China’s CDC has warned that the country’s winter illness season will likely remain driven by multiple respiratory pathogens through the spring. The hMPV is one of many viruses contributing to respiratory illnesses in the region.
