HMPV outbreak in China raises pandemic concerns: Facts to consider

A highly contagious virus outbreak in China has caused health officials to remain vigilant.

The number of cases of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, which can cause respiratory disease, is reportedly increasing in northern China, with children aged 14 and under being the most affected, according to health officials.

The HMPV virus, though not as well-known as other viruses, was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the same family as RSV, as stated by the CDC.

Pandemic potential?

Concerns of a potential pandemic have been sparked by videos of overwhelmed hospitals in China on social media.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that the spike in respiratory infections is due to a seasonal surge, and that the diseases are less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared to the previous year.

The CDC is tracking the virus through its National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS).

The CDC is aware of reported increases in HMPV in China and is in regular contact with international partners and monitoring reports of increased disease, as stated by a CDC spokesperson in a statement sent to Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Although some transmission of HMPV can occur year-round, particularly during the winter respiratory virus season, these reports are not currently a concern in the U.S."

The agency stated that existing surveillance systems will quickly detect any rise in HMPV cases in the U.S.

"The CDC will persist in tracking and disseminating crucial information to the public."

Currently, hospitalizations in China are being driven by influenza A, according to the source.

"There is no reason to feel it has taken over and is becoming the next pandemic, but on the other hand, it is difficult to know the full story."

HMPV, generally mild, can lead to pneumonia, according to Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Planet Chronicle senior medical analyst.

Although there is no evidence to suggest that the virus has become the next pandemic, it is challenging to understand the full extent of the situation due to China's potential withholding of information, according to the source.

Centivax CEO Dr. Jacob Glanville stated that by the age of 5, most individuals have already been infected.

He informed Planet Chronicle Digital that it poses a unique risk to children but is not believed to have broader pandemic potential.

Symptoms and spread

According to the CDC, while anyone can contract HMPV, the highest-risk groups are young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.

The health agency stated that in most people, symptoms of the virus are similar to a common cold, including fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

In cases of severe illness, HMPV can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

The CDC stated that most individuals will develop symptoms within three to six days of being exposed.

As RSV and influenza, it can be severe in young children, the elderly, and people with underlying conditions like asthma or COPD, according to Scarpino.

Human-to-human transmission of HPMV is usually through coughing, sneezing, or close contact.

Someone can also become infected by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.

In the U.S., HMPV mainly spreads from winter to spring, according to the CDC.

Respiratory virus season is upon us, as flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all present, according to Siegel.

"It can be severe in young children, the elderly, and in people with underlying conditions."

HMPV and RSV cause similar respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, coughing or wheezing, fever, and runny nose, as Glanville noted.

In most adults, HMPV causes cold-like symptoms, but it poses a higher risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, and death in infants, as well as an increased risk of severe disease in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems, according to the source.

Samuel Scarpino, a professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston and the director of AI and life sciences, concurs that the risk in the U.S. is generally low.

"In the U.S., it tends to peak a bit later than influenza, but still in the winter months, most everyone will have had it at least once during childhood."

According to what he said to Planet Chronicle Digital, there is no concern about a pandemic being caused by HMPV, but we are closely monitoring the situation in China.

"Currently, the U.S. is facing significant outbreaks of COVID, influenza, RSV, and norovirus, with minimal HMPV transmission occurring."

Treatment and prevention

According to the CDC, HMPV can be diagnosed through two distinct tests that detect the virus.

Health care professionals should test for the virus during winter and spring, as recommended by the agency.

There is currently no treatment for the vaccine.

Glanville informed Planet Chronicle Digital that although there is a vaccine for RSV, an HMPV vaccine has not been approved.

"Currently, HMPV is treated with rest, hydration, NSAIDs, cold medicine, and in some cases, inhalers and steroids."

The CDC recommends the following methods of prevention on its website.

- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

- Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

- Avoid close contact with people who are sick

- Cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing

- Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others in the presence of symptoms

- Stay at home if sick

- Sanitize common surfaces and objects

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Scarpino advised that individuals should be vaccinated against COVID, influenza, and RSV and take precautions such as rapid testing and masking if they have symptoms.

"Over-the-counter rapid tests are now available that can simultaneously detect flu A, flu B, and COVID."