Doctors from the US and other Western countries called on China to share more details regarding its rising HMPV cases.
The Daily Mail says Beijing is yet to comment on the viral footage of overcrowded waiting rooms and wards on social media.
Nevertheless, Dr. Jacqueline Stephens, a senior lecturer in public health at Flinders University in Australia allayed concerns of a potential global outbreak.
“I think we’re just more cautious of outbreaks now,” she said. “Everyone is hypervigilant, and you hear this term ‘human metapneumovirus’ and it sounds kind of scary.”
What do we know about the growing HMPV cases?
On December 27, 2024, Reuters reported that Chinese authorities are monitoring the country’s increasing human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases.
Health officials have assured the public that the outbreak is nothing unusual, and the risk of another COVID-19 pandemic remains low.
READ: Chinese embassy in PH dismisses rumors of new disease outbreak in China
Unfortunately, China’s lack of transparency resembles the early moments before the 2019 global crisis, causing many to fear another from HMPV.
Worse, the Daily Mail reported that the United States has been experiencing more cases.
Its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1.84% of weekly tests returned HMPV positive as of December 28, 2024.
In response, CDC officials confirmed to USA Today that it closely monitors China’s HMPV outbreak:
“CDC is aware of reported increases of HMPV in China and is in regular contact with international partners and monitoring reports of increased disease.”
“These reports are not currently a cause for concern in the US.”
READ: DOH: No confirmed ‘international health concern’
What is the human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
China’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the first HMPV cases were recorded in 2001.
Its main transmission method is via droplets or aerosols from coughing and sneezing. Also, close contact with infected people may cause transmission.
The US Cleveland Clinic lists the following symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Rash
The Daily Mail adds that more severe symptoms, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, may occur.
READ: Global measles cases rise by 20%, warns WHO
Moreover, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are more likely to develop these serious complications.
HMPV cases are usually mild, so its exact death rate is unknown.
In 2023, China’s CDC explained the fatality rate caused by the virus:
“Children, immunocompromised populations, and the elderly are susceptible, and they are more likely to be co-infected with other respiratory viruses.”
“In susceptible individuals with underlying medical conditions, HMPV infection can lead to death.”
“Based on data from an article published in Lancet Global Health in 2021, one percent of acute lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children under age five can be attributed to HMPV.”
“Currently, there is no vaccine or effective medication against HMPV, and treatment is mostly focused on alleviating symptoms.”