Masked people walk through a station in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic, taken February 3, 2020, with an image of a virus inset. Reports of a possible outbreak of HMPV in China come five years after coronavirus hit headlines. Less LewisTsePuiLung / Rost-9D/iStock / Getty Images Plus / Canva
NEWSWEEK | Published January 4, 2025
News reports and social media posts are warning of a new outbreak of a little-known virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, but officials are yet to confirm this.
Instead, official reports from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that rates of multiple flu-like illnesses are on the rise in China, according to data up to the last week of 2024.
That data suggests that influenza is leading the outbreak, with 30.2 percent of tests coming back positive for it—an increase of 6.2 from the previous week—and 17.7 percent of people hospitalized with a severe respiratory illness testing positive for it.
However, that same dataset indicates that rates of HMPV are ahead of other flu-like diseases—such as COVID-19, rhinovirus and adenovirus—linked to 6.2 percent of positive respiratory illness tests and 5.4 percent of respiratory-illness hospitalizations in China.
What Is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that can cause flu-like illness in people of all ages, although some people are more at risk, including young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
The virus was only discovered as recently as 2001, but it is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): another flu-like virus.
The more widespread use of testing for specific viruses among people with flu-like symptoms has resulted in an increased awareness of HMPV as a significant cause of respiratory illnesses.
How does HMPV spread?
Like other similar viruses, HMPV usually spreads from person to person through droplets from coughing and sneezing, through human contact such as hugging or kissing, and through touching surfaces and objects contaminated with the virus and then the mouth, nose or eyes.
In the U.S., HMPV circulates seasonally alongside the flu and similar diseases, and is most active in late winter and spring.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several ways Americans can protect themselves from the virus: washing hands often with soap and water, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with sick people.
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SOURCE: www.newsweek.com
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China hiding new epidemic? ‘Covid-like’ virus HMPV sparks new scare; chaos grips hospitals | Report
THE ECONOMIC TIMES | Published January 4, 2025
China is experiencing a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections after five years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reports and online posts indicate widespread transmission, with some claiming hospitals and crematories are overwhelmed. Videos circulating online depict crowded hospitals, and users mention the simultaneous circulation of influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19. Some reports link the rise in HMPV to an increase in deaths, particularly among people aged 40 to 80.
“China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums. Children’s hospitals are particularly strained by rising pneumonia and ‘white lung’ cases,” a social media post stated.
The Chinese CDC reportedly said that there is an increase in HMPV positive cases among those aged 14 and under.
Some users also alleged a rapid spread of “multiple viruses” including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19. One user even claimed China declared a state of emergency.
These claims are, however, unsupported and there is no concrete evidence to support the claims. Neither Chinese health officials nor the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed an epidemic or state of emergency.
What is HMPV Virus?
Discovered in 2001, HMPV is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes RSV. Studies suggest it has been present in humans for over 60 years globally. The virus causes respiratory illness in people of all ages, particularly affecting young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
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SOURCE: www.theeconomictimes.com
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