A highly contagious virus has emerged in China, and health authorities are on alert.
The number of cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which can cause respiratory illness, is rapidly increasing in northern China, the country's health officials have announced. Children under the age of 14 are said to be most affected.
Although not as widely known as other viruses, HMPV is not new. The virus was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Possibility of a pandemic?
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An art teacher paints a poster to raise awareness about the spread of the HMPV virus in Mumbai, India, on January 6, 2025. (Getty)
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday that the spike was due to regular seasonal spikes, saying, “Respiratory infections tend to peak in winter, and the severity of the disease is lower compared to previous years. “The scale of the spread also appears to be small.” . ”
The CDC said it is monitoring the virus through the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus 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 to monitor reports of an increase in the disease,” a CDC spokesperson told Fox News. said in a statement sent to Digital.
“Although these reports are not a cause for concern in the United States at this time, some transmission of HMPV can be expected throughout the year, especially during the winter respiratory virus season.”
The virus was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the CDC. (St. Petersburg)
The agency also said that “existing surveillance systems can be expected to quickly detect an increase in HMPV cases in the United States.”
“CDC will continue to monitor and provide important updates to the public.”
The same source said there are currently hospitalizations due to influenza A in China.
“While there is no reason to feel that the pandemic is spreading and becoming the next pandemic, it is difficult to know the full story.”
Dr. Mark Siegel, a professor of clinical medicine at New York University Langone Health and a senior medical analyst for Fox News, noted that HMPV is generally mild, but can cause pneumonia.
“There's no reason to feel like the pandemic is spreading and becoming the next pandemic, but on the other hand, it's hard to know the full story because China may be withholding information,” he told Fox News Digital. spoke.
“CDC is aware of reports of an increase in HMPV in China and is in regular contact with international partners to monitor reports of an increase in the disease,” a CDC spokesperson told Fox News. said in a statement sent to Digital. (St. Petersburg)
Dr. Jacob Granville, CEO of San Francisco biotech company Sentivax, said most people become infected by the time they are 5 years old.
“While this is a unique risk to children, it is not considered a potential broader pandemic,” he told FOX News Digital.
Symptoms and spread
According to the CDC, anyone can become infected with HMPV, but the groups most at risk include young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people.
Health officials say that for most people, the symptoms of the virus are similar to a cold, including fever, stuffy nose and shortness of breath.
In severe cases, HMPV can cause bronchitis and pneumonia.
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The CDC noted that most people begin experiencing symptoms within three to six days after exposure.
“Like respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, it can be serious in young children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions such as asthma and COPD,” Scarpino said.
HPMV is usually transmitted from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
“Respiratory infections tend to peak in winter,” China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Friday, attributing the spike to regular seasonal spikes. (St. Petersburg)
It can also be spread by touching contaminated objects or surfaces.
The CDC notes that HMPV is a seasonal virus, which occurs primarily in the winter and spring in the United States.
“This is respiratory virus season, so we have a mix of influenza, COVID-19 and RSV,” Siegel noted.
“It can be serious in young children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.”
Professor Granville pointed out that HMPV is similar to RSV in that it causes similar respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, coughing and wheezing, fever and runny nose.
“HMPV causes cold-like symptoms in most adults, but infants are at increased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia, and death, and older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe illness.” he told FOX News Digital. .
Frequent hand washing is one of the precautions recommended by the CDC. (St. Petersburg)
Samuel Scarpino, chair of AI and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, agrees that the general risk in the U.S. is low.
“Most people have experienced it at least once in their childhood,” he says. “In the United States, it tends to peak a little later than the flu, but still during the winter.”
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“As far as I can see, there is no concern that HMPV will cause a pandemic, but we are all keeping a close eye on the situation in China,” he told FOX News Digital.
“While the United States is currently experiencing large outbreaks of coronavirus, influenza, RSV, and norovirus, the prevalence of HMPV within the United States is relatively low.”
Treatment and prevention
According to the CDC, HMPV can be diagnosed using two different tests that detect the virus.
The agency recommends that medical professionals test for the virus throughout the winter and spring.
Currently, there is no treatment available for vaccination.
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“There is a vaccine for RSV, but no HMPV vaccine has been approved yet,” Glanville told FOX News Digital.
“As such, HMPV is currently treated with rest, hydration, NSAIDs, cold medicines, and in some cases inhalers and steroids.”
“There is a vaccine for RSV, but no HMPV vaccine has been approved yet,” an infectious disease expert told FOX News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
The CDC recommends the following prevention methods on its website:
– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
– Avoid close contact with sick people
– Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
– If you have symptoms, do not share cups or utensils with others.
– Stay home if you are sick
– Disinfect common 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 they have symptoms,” Scarpino advised.
“Rapid tests are now commercially available that simultaneously check for influenza A, influenza B, and the new coronavirus.”
