Health officials have noted an increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections among children aged 14 and under in China, though the exact scale of the surge remains uncertain.
According to Chinese state media, a viral infection known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading among children in China.
The virus can lead to upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds, as well as more severe lung infections. State media reports that HMPV has now become one of the four most common viral infections among hospital visitors in the country.
"HMPV has been recognized as a major concern for at-risk populations worldwide since it was first discovered at the turn of the century," said Andrew Easton, a virology professor at the University of Warwick in the U.K. who specializes in pneumoviruses, in an email to Live Science. "This risk has remained relatively unchanged over the past 25 years."
However, Easton noted, "It is always concerning to see a shift in the incidence or pattern of an infection." He emphasized the importance of investigating potential surges in infections to determine their underlying cause.
What is HMPV?
HMPV is part of the same virus family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a seasonal virus that causes colds and lung infections. Discovered in 2001, HMPV is linked to around 20,000 hospitalizations annually among children under 5 in the U.S., according to CDC epidemiologist Eileen Schneider.
Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, the infection can progress to bronchitis (inflammation of the airways) or pneumonia (fluid buildup in the lungs' air sacs).
Who is Most at Risk for Severe Symptoms?
According to the CDC, young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to severe symptoms of HMPV.
Should Other Countries Be Concerned About HMPV in China?
"HMPV is a significant concern, particularly for very young infants during their first year of life," Easton said. This is also true for RSV and seasonal influenza ("the flu"). However, he noted that the risk associated with HMPV has not significantly changed since its discovery in the early 2000s.
On December 27, Kan Biao, the head of China CDC's National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed that HMPV cases among children ages 14 and under were rising in China, as reported by China Daily and Reuters. However, the extent and cause of this increase remain unclear.
"It’s crucial to detect changes in infection patterns and understand their potential causes," Easton added. "We must determine whether changes in people’s behaviors have led to increased exposure or if the virus itself has evolved, leading to more infections."
While mutations or genetic changes in the HMPV virus are unlikely the cause of the recent rise, Easton said additional genetic testing is needed to rule out this possibility.
China Daily reported that, despite the rise in HMPV cases, the overall spread of respiratory infections in China this winter has been lower than in previous years.
Live Science has reached out to officials and scientists in China for further comment, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
How Can We Protect Ourselves From HMPV?
There are currently no vaccines for HMPV, and, according to the U.S. CDC, no specific antiviral treatments for the virus. Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on symptom relief and stabilizing vital signs.
According to the CDC, the duration of the infection can vary among individuals, but it generally follows a course similar to other respiratory infections, like the common cold.
To prevent HMPV infections, individuals can follow the same precautions as they would for other respiratory viruses.
"HMPV is a respiratory infection spread similarly to viruses like the flu and COVID-19," Easton explained. "We can protect ourselves from HMPV in the same way we protect ourselves from those viruses."
The CDC recommends the following measures:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Stay home when feeling unwell
The U.S. CDC continually monitors HMPV as part of its ongoing surveillance of viral illnesses, meaning any significant increase in infections would be quickly detected.
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