WHO Addresses Concerns Over HMPV Outbreak In China, Calls It 'Common Respiratory Virus'

As concerns mount over the outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and its subsequent detection in India, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a statement addressing the situation. The WHO reassured the public that HMPV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild upper respiratory symptoms, similar to the common cold. 

"Recently, there has been interest in HMPV cases in China, including suggestions of hospitals being overwhelmed. HMPV is a common respiratory virus found to circulate in many countries in winter through to spring, although not all countries routinely test and publish data on trends in HMPV," the WHO said.

Most HMPV cases are mild, the health organisation noted.

"While some cases can be hospitalised with bronchitis or pneumonia, most people infected with HMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and recover after a few days," it said.

The WHO further said that based on data published by China till Dec. 29, 2024, acute respiratory infections have increased during recent weeks. Additionally, detections of seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, and HMPV, particularly in northern provinces of China have also seen a surge. 

"The observed increase in respiratory pathogen detections is within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern Hemisphere winter," said WHO.

Chinese authorities have confirmed that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed. Hospital utilisation is currently lower than at the same time last year, and no emergency declarations or responses have been triggered, according to the WHO.

Based on the expected increase in respiratory infections during the winter season, countries, including China, have been providing health messages to the public on how to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and reduce the impact of disease, the WHO mentioned.

WHO epidemiologist Margaret Harris claimed that HMPV is not a "new virus".

"Human metapneumovirus HMPV is NOT a new virus. First identified in 2001, it has been in the human population for a long time. It is a common virus that circulates in winter and spring. It usually causes respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold," she said.

India's health ministry also reassured the public on Tuesday, emphasising that there is no cause for concern regarding HMPV, which has been present globally since 2001.