WHO on HMPV Infections in China: A Known Virus with Mild Symptoms

beijing - The World Health Organization's European branch comments on the increasing cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China, stating that it is a familiar virus with usually mild symptoms.

The World Health Organization's European branch has addressed the rising concerns over Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in northern China, emphasizing that it is a recognized virus typically causing mild symptoms.

Social media has been abuzz with videos depicting overcrowded hospitals in China purportedly filled with HMPV patients, drawing parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged five years ago. However, the authenticity of these videos in relation to the surge in HMPV infections reported by China since last December remains unverified. The virus has also surfaced in neighboring countries such as India in recent months.

Hans Kluge, the European branch director of the WHO, has stated that the organization is closely monitoring the situation and receiving updates on the virus from China. Kluge described HMPV as a well-known respiratory infection that typically manifests mild symptoms like cough, fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing.

Although the scale and intensity are said to be lower compared to a year ago, severe cases could lead to pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, or individuals with underlying health conditions.

Earlier reports from Chinese researchers classified HMPV as a common virus that poses no new threat and has been circulating globally for more than six decades. Scientists first identified the virus in the early 2000s, noting its transmission through droplets from an infected person. The European WHO advises preventive measures like staying home when sick and practicing regular handwashing to reduce transmission and risk, as a vaccine for HMPV is currently unavailable.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season, following authorities' alert on the increased HMPV cases among children by the end of December. Amidst media concerns and unverified visual content circulating online, the authorities aimed to reassure the public by providing more information. Additionally, virologists on social media caution against misinformation regarding 'a new coronavirus in China.'