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As China experiences a surge in respiratory infections this winter, a little-known virus has gotten a lot of attention — and some people may worry about whether the increase in cases could be felt more widely around the world.
Human metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, can cause upper and lower respiratory illnesses in people of all ages, and data from the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released last week shows that the country has recorded more cases in recent weeks.
But HMPV typically circulates in the Northern Hemisphere in winter, and China CDC data shows there have also been increases in a number of other common respiratory infections, including seasonal flu and respiratory syncytial virus , or VRS.
“Reported levels of respiratory infections in China are within the normal range. This is what we expect for the winter season,” Margaret Harris, a spokesperson for the World Health Organization, said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
To allay concerns, she added that hospital utilization in China is lower than this time last year and no emergency declaration or emergency response has been launched in the country. in relation to these respiratory infections.
“As far as human metapneumovirus goes, it’s not a new virus,” Harris said. “It was first identified in 2001. It has been present in the human population for a long time. It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring.
In the United States, the CDC tracks HMPV cases in the same way it tracks the spread of other respiratory viruses. It is estimated that approximately 10-12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV; Most people will contract HMPV before the age of 5, and reinfections can then occur throughout life.
Data shows that HMPV cases began appearing more frequently in November and have been increasing since. But, compared to other common viruses, the weekly percentage of respiratory infections testing positive for HMPV is low, at 1.94% as of December 28. In comparison, the flu was at 18.71% and Covid-19 at 7.10% that week.
“It’s respiratory virus season for a reason. We’ve gotten used to thinking about the ones that have been very serious – so Covid, as well as the flu and RSV – but there are a whole host of other respiratory viruses that you can get sick from,” said Janet Hamilton, Director Director of the Council of State and territorial epidemiologists.
When it comes to common respiratory infections like HMPV, “a lot of times you get better on your own, but not necessarily always,” Hamilton said.
“In general, infections are relatively mild and we often think of them like the common cold,” she added. “Many people don’t necessarily know when they have a cold that it is caused by the human metapneumovirus, but it is certainly one of the viruses often associated with the common cold.”
Some of the symptoms commonly associated with HMPV infections include cough, fever, stuffy nose, and shortness of breath.
HMPV spreads from person to person in the same way as some other respiratory viruses: through droplets from coughs or sneezes and through contact, such as shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces.
“Simple measures can prevent the spread. And that includes, if you are sick, if you have symptoms, stay home,” Harris said.
“Also, if you are in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, when you know that a virus is currently circulating, consider wearing a mask. Improve ventilation where you can,” she said. “And of course, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.”
Some people are at increased risk of serious HMPV infections, Harris said.
“In some cases, like any cold virus, it can cause more severe illness in people who have no immunity or very weak immune systems,” she said. “He’s the very young one. These are newborns – that’s why you don’t go visit a newborn and kiss him when you have a cold – and very old people. Again, this is why you shouldn’t visit your 90-year-old great-grandmother in the hospital when you have a cold.”
Health care providers can test for HMPV, but there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment to treat infections. Resting at home and staying hydrated can help relieve symptoms, as can some over-the-counter medications.
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Mild cases of HMPV usually last a few days to a week, and many people recover on their own within two to five days.
“It will present in the same way as the flu, SARS-Cov-2, RSV, so the same advice applies to those affected: rest, drink fluids, try not to pass it on to others” , John Tregoning, professor of vaccines. immunology at Imperial College London, said in a statement Monday by the U.K.-based Science Media Centre.
“If you really don’t feel well, go to your GP,” he said. “As it is a virus, antibiotics will have no effect.”