Human Metapneumovirus Cases Surge in China During Winter Season

Experts stress that the rise in hMPV infections is seasonal and not indicative of a pandemic-level threat, though vulnerable populations remain at risk.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a respiratory virus with flu-like symptoms, has seen a significant rise in cases in northern China since December 2024, coinciding with seasonal winter trends.
Health experts emphasize that hMPV is not comparable to COVID-19, as it has been circulating in humans for decades and most people already have some level of immunity to it.
The virus poses higher risks to vulnerable groups, such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to complications like pneumonia or hospitalizations.
China's extended COVID-19 lockdowns may have reduced exposure to hMPV, potentially increasing susceptibility to the virus during this outbreak, a phenomenon linked to 'immunity debt.'
While there are no vaccines or specific treatments for hMPV currently available, preventive measures like hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and enhanced surveillance are being recommended to mitigate its spread.