Metapneumovirus: an outbreak has been reported in China. Is the world facing a new pandemic (video)

The mortality rate for human metapneumovirus, which is emerging in China, may be as high as 43%.

About this, referring to the information Disease Control and Prevention Administration of the People's Republic of China, tells “New newspaper Europe”.

Increase in incidence

Metapneumovirus was detected in respiratory samples collected from Chinese hospitals during from December 23 to 29. The department noted that the test results were also positive for influenza virus and rhinovirus:

“Analysis of the results shows that acute respiratory viral diseases currently have a continuous upward trend.”

The department noted that an increase in the number of infections with metapneumovirus has been recorded, in particular among children aged 14 years and younger. The largest number of infected people is in the northern provinces of China. This winter, The Independent newspaper reported, China is experiencing a surge in respiratory virus cases, leading to overcrowding in hospitals.

Symptoms of human metapneumovirus

Metapneumovirus causes symptoms similar to those of a common cold or flu. As a rule, the disease is mild, but can lead to serious complicationssuch as pneumonia, especially in the elderly and infants, people with weakened immune systems. Among the symptoms:

• cough,
• nasal congestion,
• runny nose,
• temperature rise,
• dyspnea,
• hoarseness of voice.

19% of patients with metapneumovirus infection have symptoms of intestinal dysfunction: vomiting, loose stools up to 7 times a day.

Is there an antiviral treatment method?

At the end of December, Taiwanese portal Money UDN reported that Metapneumovirus mortality rate can be as high as 43%. And if in the case of COVID-19 there are reagents for rapid screening, then there are very few test systems for detecting the human metapneumonia virus, the publication noted. Another problem – now no suitable antiviral treatmentso patients are treated maintenance therapy.

Deja vu… Five years ago, in December 2019, the first cases of infection with a new pathogen, coronavirus, were registered in China. Just a couple of weeks later, the first outbreaks of the disease were recorded, and in the spring of 2020 the pandemic began. In total, the virus has killed more than seven million people.

Meet Metapneumovirus

Metapneumovirus belongs to the family Pneumoviridae and is classified in the genus Metapneumovirus. It is one of the causative agents of respiratory infections. Metapneumovirus was discovered in 2001. According to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) epidemiologist Eileen Schneider, approximately 20,000 children under 5 years of age are hospitalized with the virus each year in the US alone. Andrew Easton, professor of virology at the University of Warwick in the UK, says:

“Metapneumovirus has been recognized as a serious problem for at-risk populations around the world since it was first discovered. The virus is a serious problem, especially for newborns and young children during the first year of life. However, the risk of illness from this virus has not changed significantly since discovery.”

Metapneumovirus most often causes acute respiratory infections, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The infection can manifest itself as a runny nose, cough, or fever. People with the virus may experience difficulty breathing and other symptoms typical of respiratory illnesses. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets.

Prevention

To avoid becoming infected with metapneumovirus, doctors recommend preventive measures familiar to everyone since the pandemic:

1. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap, especially after visiting public places, and before eating.
2. Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of respiratory infections.
3. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces in your home and workplace.
4. Do not touch your face with dirty hands.
5. Ventilate the premises regularly.
6. Wear masks in crowded areas or poorly ventilated areas
7. If symptoms of ARVI occur, you should follow the rules of cough etiquette, wear medical masks and change them every 4 hours, stay home and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Distribution in other countries

hMPV virus strains have already been recorded in Kazakhstan: More than 30 cases of metapneumovirus infection have been identified there since October 1, 2024.

Ministry of Health India confirmed two cases of metapneumovirus in the country. Two children fell ill and eventually recovered. The ministry noted that none of the sick patients had ever been to other countries.

IN Ukraine 13 cases of infection have been officially registered, although, as infectious disease specialists admit, there are actually many more.

The disease was officially recorded in Kyrgyzstan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Great Britain.

Coming from China news about the spread of respiratory infectionsincluding human metapneumovirus (HMPV). However, according to the head of the European Bureau of the World Health Organization, Hans Kluge, the scale and intensity of the disease, according to local authorities, still remains below last year’s level.

The WHO China office and headquarters are receiving regular updates on the situation and are providing support in monitoring pathogens and tracking changes in virus strains and variants.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe, in turn, shares the information received with Member States, Kluge noted, emphasizing the importance of transparent and prompt communication in the field of public health. In addition to preparing for emergencies, getting information from reliable sources is important to counteract misinformation and misinformation, he added:

“Ultimately, the best way to prepare for and prevent any public health risks is through investment in strong health systems and services, including participatory monitoring.”

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