HMPV (Credit: Canva)
The recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has sent shockwaves across the world. While the virus has existed since 2001, its cases saw an uptick earlier this month. At present, HMPV has spread beyond China, infecting people in India, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, the UK, China, and Hong Kong.
The main symptoms of this infection are flu or cold-like symptoms. Most cases are mild, but infection can increase health risks—particularly for the elderly, young children and people with low immunity. In extreme cases, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia.
Countries like India and the United Kingdom(UK) have reported seasonal increases in infection since 2024. India has reported seven confirmed cases of HMPV across several states, including Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
In the UK, between December 23 and 29 last year, some 4.5 per cent of lab-tested samples were positive for HMPV, a slight increase from the previous week. In comparison, 29.5 percent were positive for influenza, and 2.5 per cent for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Malaysia has been reported to have seen a surge in HMPV cases, with several outlets saying that the country saw 327 cases in 2024, 45 per cent more than the previous year. However, the Malaysian government has not recently report this figure; a recent statement said nothing about HMPV specifically.
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan has reported cases of HMPV as part of an expected seasonal rise of respiratory illnesses including flu. The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Control reported 30 cases of HMPV during the current flu season,
In most cases, symptoms of HMPV are mild and fade away within a week. However, if you are someone who falls in the high-risk criteria (child, elderly or pregnant) then it becomes pivotal for you to consult a general practitioner. A trip may also be advisable for those experiencing severe and persistent HMPV-like symptoms. They will be able to diagnose you and provide a test if necessary.
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