HMPV China outbreak: What is human metapneumovirus and should we be concerned about rising cases in China

On By Littum

Chinese authorities have reported an increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, sparking concern and speculation online that another pandemic like COVID-19 may be on the horizon.

However, the short answer is that no, it is not a big cause for concern.

HMPV is a respiratory disease that causes cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose and cough, although it can progress to more serious conditions such as pneumonia.

Unlike COVID, HMPV is not a new virus to humans, with the first case of a human infection reported in 2001 in the Netherlands. Cases have since been reported in Australia, the UK, the US and other parts of the world.

HMPV is a respiratory disease that causes cold-like symptoms. (Getty)

What is happening in China?

HMPV cases in China have soared this winter, with pictures of overcrowded hospitals circulating on social media.

Children in particular are affected by the outbreak. In a statement released on December 27, the head of the China CDC’s National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Kan Biao, announced that the rate of HMPV among children aged 14 and under was increasing in China, according to China Daily.

However, an increase in HMPV cases is not uncommon during China’s flu season. 

China Daily also reported that this winter flu season has been less intense compared to the last peak season.

HMPV cases in China have increased over this winter. (Getty Images/Science Photo Library)

Young children, people over 65 and people who are immunocompromised are more likely to develop more severe cases of HMPV, including conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma flare-ups. 

There is currently no vaccine or antiviral treatment for HMPV, but severe cases can be treated in hospital.

“Human metapneumovirus is quite common here in Australia and has been for a long time,” Australia’s Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler said in a statement on Sunday.

“We’re obviously monitoring it, just like we do flu and COVID and RSV,” Butler said.

While the COVID-19 pandemic was first caused by the spillover of an animal-borne disease into a human population, HMPV has been circulating the global population for over 20 years.

Because of this, there is also a greater degree of scientific understanding about the virus than there was about COVID-19.

What should we do about it? 

“We are monitoring the situation in China,” Butler said.

“I ask to be kept up to date by my department. But it’s something we’re quite familiar with.”

Measures to prevent the spread of HMPV are the same as for other respiratory diseases such as COVID: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people who are sick, wear a mask and stay home when you are sick.