What you need to know about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

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As the world gradually recovers from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, new health concerns are beginning to surface, capturing attention across the globe.

These emerging threats have heightened awareness of the potential risks posed by viruses that were once considered relatively obscure.

While the focus has largely remained on COVID-19, other viral infections are starting to raise alarms, prompting public health officials to closely monitor their spread.

One such virus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), has been making headlines due to a notable rise in cases, particularly in countries like China.

This uptick in cases has sparked some anxiety, particularly as the world remains wary of the possibility of future health crises.

However, experts are offering reassurances, suggesting that while the virus appears to be spreading, it is unlikely to cause a global health emergency similar to the devastation seen with COVID-19.

Here’s everything you need to know about this viral infection and how to stay informed and protect yourself.

What is hMPV?

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001 by scientists in the Netherlands.

While it was officially discovered in the early 2000s, the virus has likely been circulating for decades.

It has been detected globally, with Australia previously noting it as the third most common respiratory virus after influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). hMPV commonly causes mild symptoms that resemble the flu or common cold, including:

– Cough

– Fever

– Nasal congestion

– Runny nose

– Ear infections

In children, the virus typically causes mild upper respiratory infections that usually resolve within a week, while adults may take 1–2 weeks to recover.

Who is most at risk?

Though hMPV is generally mild for most people, vulnerable groups such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions (such as heart disease or asthma) are at a higher risk of more severe complications, including:

– Pneumonia

– Shortness of breath

– Wheezing

– Exacerbation of existing lung diseases

Why are cases rising?

The winter months bring an increase in respiratory infections globally, and hMPV is no exception. Reports from China show a rise in hMPV cases, coinciding with colder temperatures that encourage virus transmission in indoor settings.

However, health experts emphasize that this trend is not unusual for respiratory viruses during winter, and similar spikes have been observed in other regions, including the US and the UK, since late 2023.

Additionally, factors such as climate change, altered public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in vaccine coverage have influenced how respiratory viruses behave and spread.

Despite the rising cases, hMPV is not a novel virus, and most people have some level of immunity from prior infections, reducing the severity of new cases.

Is hMPV a pandemic threat?

Experts stress that hMPV is unlikely to cause a pandemic. The virus has been circulating for decades, and many individuals, especially children, already have antibodies that provide immunity, reducing the risk of severe disease.

Unlike COVID-19, which emerged suddenly and had no prior immunity in the population, hMPV is part of the regular mix of respiratory viruses that circulate each year, especially during the colder months.

Vaccines and treatments for hMPV

Currently, there are no specific vaccines for hMPV, but there is hope that mRNA vaccine technology, which has proven effective for viruses like COVID-19 and RSV, may be used to develop a vaccine for hMPV in the future.

Moderna, for instance, has begun trials for an mRNA-based vaccine targeting hMPV.

While no antiviral treatments have been definitively proven effective, certain antivirals may offer some benefit to severely ill patients.

To reduce the risk of spreading hMPV, it is recommended to practice basic hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and avoiding close contact with others when sick.