What is HMPV? China steps up surveillance amid new virus outbreak

China is seeing a surge in respiratory virus infections, leading to reports of overcrowded hospitals, new surveillance measures and public concerns about an outbreak.

The virus, identified as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), saw an increase in cases this winter in China’s northern provinces, particularly among children.

The outbreak comes five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which later turned into a global pandemic with seven million deaths reported.

Photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals in China have appeared on social media platforms and local news reports have compared the scenes to the initial Covid outbreak.

Health authorities are implementing new measures to monitor and manage the spread of pneumonia cases of unknown origin. However, Beijing has downplayed these developments as an annual winter phenomenon.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season.

“Diseases appear to be less severe and are spreading on a smaller scale compared to the previous year,” she said.

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to colds and flu. Although the illness is usually mild, it can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, especially in infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

The virus is not new but has attracted attention amid rising cases, particularly among children under 14 in northern China.

First identified in 2001, HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Cases have already been identified in various countries, including the United Kingdom.

Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days. Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment against HMPV; Treatment mainly involves managing symptoms.

Increase in HMPV cases in China

The increase in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically fuel the spread of respiratory viruses. Health officials emphasize that this increase is consistent with seasonal trends.

China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently reported an increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV, during winter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared the situation a global health emergency, but the increase in cases has prompted authorities to strengthen surveillance systems.

A pilot program has been launched to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring that laboratories and health agencies report and manage cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing an administration official during a press conference.

Can the HMPV virus spread to other countries?

Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV. Neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Taiwan are closely monitoring the situation. Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarity to Covid-19 and influenza.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said the virus poses higher risks to children, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.

In neighboring India, officials said there was no need to panic because HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus.”

“News has been circulating about a metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear about this. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes the common cold, and in very old and very young people it can cause flu-like symptoms,” said Dr Atul Goel, head of the Directorate General of Health Services ( DGHS).

Reassuring citizens and tourists, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China,” adding that “it is safe to travel to China.”