Global concerns have arisen over reports of increased hospitalizations in China due to HMPV, a virus not widely known to the public but well understood by the scientific community.

In recent days, videos and photos have widely circulated showing hospitals in China overwhelmed with people visiting emergency rooms due to deteriorating health conditions.

Local media attribute the surge to a less familiar virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which usually causes mild symptoms similar to those of the common cold.

What Should We Know?
As reported by the British newspaper The Guardian, human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms resembling those of a cold or the flu. While often limited to mild infections, it can lead to more severe complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.

The virus belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. Its outbreaks are most intense during the winter months.

Why is it Making Headlines?
In northern China, cases of HMPV are on the rise, especially among children, according to local authorities. The country’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised citizens to adopt hygiene and preventative measures while downplaying claims of hospital overload and fears of a pandemic similar to COVID-19.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated: “Respiratory infections typically peak during the winter season. This year’s illnesses appear to be less severe and spreading on a smaller scale compared to the previous year.”

The increase in cases is partly attributed to the use of new technologies that make virus detection easier, as well as greater public awareness following the pandemic.

⚠️ BREAKING:

China 🇨🇳 Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums.

Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX

— SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025

How Serious is HMPV?
HMPV is one of many viruses commonly grouped under the broader term “common cold.” It is not classified as a notifiable disease like COVID-19 or influenza.

Most infections resolve on their own within a few days with rest and care. However, the virus can cause more severe illnesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, in the most vulnerable populations.

High-Risk Groups Include:

• The elderly
• Young children
• Immunocompromised individuals

“HMPV can cause serious illness, so it is important for people to be aware of its existence,” said Professor Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services in Brisbane.

Should We Be Worried?
HMPV is not a new virus; it has been circulating for decades, and some level of immunity has developed in the population from previous infections. Unlike COVID-19, HMPV is not a pandemic virus.

“There is no reason to worry about a new pandemic, but the rise in cases is concerning,” Professor Griffin emphasized.

How Can We Protect Ourselves?
Without a vaccine or antiviral drugs available, prevention measures are the primary tools to reduce transmission:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a mask if you are sick and need to be in public spaces.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of these measures, with experts noting that while strict lockdowns are unnecessary, adhering to basic precautions can curb the spread.