The country’s health authorities are alert to the progress of human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a well-known virus whose circulation is currently at a low level for this year and experts appear reassuring. That doesn’t mean, of course, that infections won’t increase during the remaining winter months, as they did last year, when infections were at a high level in the community for three months (February), according to data from the National Public Health Organization (NPRS).

In recent days, interest in hMPV has increased among scientists and the medical community in the wake of the alleged increase in infections in China and hospital admissions. In Greece, since yesterday there has been a concern as an incident has been officially confirmed which reported contact with a person who travelled to China. According to reports, other members of the same family were also infected with the virus.

The EODY in yesterday’s update on one of the hospitalized cases, a 71-year-old, notes that the results of the epidemiological investigation so far do not support a link between the incident and the cases occurring in China. In addition, full laboratory testing by the Reference Centre is underway, which is planned for all respiratory viruses.

As noted by the EHRC, hMPV is being monitored in combination with other respiratory pathogens in patients visiting 15 hospitals across the country. According to Agency data, hMPV circulation was high in the community in February 2024, peaking in early April, and declined markedly by late June 2024. In the current period, virus circulation remains very low.

Despite the alarming images from hospitals in China that appear to be experiencing an increased burden, the situation is considered under control for both China and Europe. hMPV is a known virus, which has not shown new mutations. Indeed, international health organisations attribute the current situation in China to a seasonal increase in respiratory infections from common pathogens, with no immediate cause for concern in Europe.

More specifically, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) note that the increase in respiratory infections is expected for the season and does not indicate a new and worrying phenomenon. In China, the increase in cases of viruses such as influenza, RSV and hMPV is part of seasonal activity, and the Chinese authorities themselves have informed the WHO that the country’s healthcare system remains functional with no signs of overload.

Vulnerable groups, transmission, protection measures

According to the Hellenic Respiratory Society, 10% to 12% of respiratory diseases in children are caused by the virus. It often causes upper respiratory tract infections, but sometimes it can cause lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, or worsen pre-existing conditions such as asthma flares and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Metapneumovirus belongs to the same genus as RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and can cause similar symptoms.

The peak age for severe illness from hMPV is between 6 and 12 months of age. More specifically, the high-risk groups are:

• -People aged < 5 years (especially premature infants) or > 65 years.
• -People with low defences (from conditions such as HIV, cancer, or autoimmune disorders, or from immune-suppressing drugs).
• -Patients with chronic underlying diseases, predominantly asthma and COPD.

The symptoms of hMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and dyspnea. The virus is transmitted through droplets from coughing or sneezing, contact with infected surfaces, or direct contact with people who are sick.

The EHRC recalls the importance of following basic precautions and hygiene rules to prevent transmission of respiratory infections. In particular:

• -In the presence of symptoms of respiratory infection, the use of a mask is recommended.
• -In the absence of symptoms of respiratory infection, it is recommended to avoid contact with people belonging to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and immunocompromised people.
• -Frequent hand washing and avoiding hand-to-face contact is recommended.