An outbreak of a highly contagious virus in China has health officials on alert.
Chinese health officials say a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a virus that causes respiratory illness, is reported in northern China. Children aged 14 and under are said to be the most affected.
Although HMPV is not as well known as other viruses, it is not new. The virus was first discovered in 2001 and is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Pandemic possibility?
Videos have emerged on social media showing hospitals in China being overwhelmed, raising concerns about a potential outbreak.
An art teacher draws a poster to raise awareness about the spread of the HMPV virus on January 6, 2025 in Mumbai, India. (Getty)
China’s Foreign Ministry attributed the surge in cases to regular seasonal surges, saying in a statement on Friday that “respiratory infections tend to peak in winter…the illnesses appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared with last year.” “”.
The CDC said it is monitoring the virus through the National Respiratory and Enterovirus Surveillance System (NREVSS).
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“CDC is aware of reports of an increase in HMPV in China and is in regular contact with international partners and monitoring reports of increased disease,” a CDC spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“These reports are not currently of concern in the United States, although some HMPV circulation is expected throughout the year, particularly during the winter respiratory virus season.”
The virus was first discovered in 2001 and is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the CDC. (iStock)
The agency also said, “We expect that existing surveillance systems will quickly detect any increase in HMPV cases in the United States.”
“CDC will continue to monitor and provide important updates to the public.”
According to the same source, influenza A is currently causing an increase in hospitalizations in China.
“There’s no reason to think it has taken hold and is becoming the next pandemic, but on the other hand, it’s hard to get the full story.”
HMPV is generally mild but can cause pneumonia, noted Dr. Mark Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a senior medical analyst for Fox News.
“There’s no reason to think it’s taken over and is becoming the next pandemic, but on the other hand it’s difficult to get the full picture because China may be withholding information,” he told Fox News Digital.
“CDC is aware of reports of an increase in HMPV in China and is regularly in contact with international partners and monitoring reports of increased disease,” a CDC spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of San Francisco biotech company Centivax, noted that most people become infected by age 5.
“This poses unique risks to children but is not considered to have broader pandemic potential,” he told Fox News Digital.
Symptoms and spread
According to the CDC, anyone can become infected with HMPV, but groups most at risk include young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
Health agencies say that for most people, symptoms of the virus are similar to the common cold – fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
In severe cases, HMPV can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.
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The CDC states that most people will begin to develop symptoms within three to six days after exposure.
“Similar to respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, it can be serious in young children, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” Scarpino said.
HPMV is usually spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing or close contact.
China’s Foreign Ministry attributed the spike in cases to regular seasonal surges, saying in a statement on Friday that “respiratory infections tend to peak in winter.” (iStock)
Someone can also become infected through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.
The CDC states that HMPV is a seasonal virus and in the United States, HMPV spreads primarily from winter to spring.
“It’s respiratory virus season, so it’s mixed in with influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus,” Siegel noted.
“It can be serious for young children, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.”
Glanville noted that HMPV is similar to RSV and can cause similar respiratory symptoms — sore throat, cough or wheezing, fever and runny nose.
He told Fox News Digital: “HMPV produces cold-like symptoms in most adults but increases the risk of bronchitis, pneumonia and death in infants and increases the risk of illness in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Risk of serious illness.
Frequent hand washing is one of the preventive measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (iStock)
Samuel Scarpino, director of artificial intelligence and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, also believes the overall risk in the United States is low.
“Most people experience it at least once in their childhood,” he said. “In the United States, it tends to peak later than the flu, but still in the winter.”
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“Based on what I’ve seen, there’s no concern of a pandemic from HMPV, but we’re all watching the situation in China very closely,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Currently, the United States is experiencing large-scale outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and norovirus, while HMPV has been relatively less widespread in the United States.”
Treatment and Prevention
According to the CDC, HMPV can be diagnosed through two different types of viral tests.
The agency recommends that health care professionals get tested for the virus during the winter and spring.
There is currently no treatment for this vaccine.
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“While there is an RSV vaccine, the HMPV vaccine has not yet been approved,” Glanville told Fox News Digital.
“Therefore, the current treatment for HMPV is rest, hydration, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cold medicines and, in some cases, inhalers and steroids.”
“While there is a vaccine for RSV, the HMPV vaccine has not yet been approved,” an infectious disease expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
The CDC recommends the following prevention methods on its website.
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick
– Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
– Avoid sharing cups and utensils with others if you have symptoms
– If you are sick, please stay home
– Disinfect public surfaces and objects
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“Individuals should ensure they are vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, and take precautions such as rapid testing and wearing a mask if symptoms occur,” Scarpino advised.
“We now have over-the-counter rapid tests that can test for influenza A, influenza B and COVID-19 at the same time.”
