HMPV symptoms as China faces new outbreak

Chinese state media have reported an increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, although officials in the United States have not confirmed reports of an outbreak or said there is cause for concern.

Newsweek has reached out to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for comment via email.

Why it matters

There are several viruses spreading across the United States right now, including norovirus and respiratory illnesses like influenza, coronavirus, and RSV. Any viral outbreak poses a public health risk, especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to serious illness when infected.

What to know

Reuters reported last week that there has been an increase in cases of HMPV in China, particularly among people younger than 14 and living in northern provinces.

Symptoms of HMPV include cough, fever, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath and rash, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Anyone can get sick after contracting the virus, but the risk of serious illness is higher for people younger than five or older than 65.

The virus can also cause complications such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or an ear infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is quite common in children and causes up to 12 percent of childhood respiratory illnesses. The cases are typically quite mild.

Cases are typically most common in late winter and spring, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How long does it take to recover from HMPV?

Milder cases of HMPV typically last only a few days or a week, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But some cases may take longer to recover from. The CDC notes that the estimated incubation period is three to six days, and the length of illness depends on the severity.

The CDC offers several ways people can prevent the spread of the virus, including washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching their face with unwashed hands, and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

There is no vaccine against HMPV.

How HMPV compares to COVID, bronchitis

COVID-19 is typically defined by a dry cough, although symptoms can vary. While HMPV is more common in children, there is no age that is particularly affected by COVID-19, although older populations are generally more at risk of severe disease.

Bronchitis, which can be caused by HMPV, is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Symptoms include thickened mucus, and this can be a short-term or chronic illness, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Is China going into lockdown for HMPV?

According to Reuters, China has increased surveillance of respiratory diseases. But there have been no reports of lockdowns like those implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the 2020 global pandemic.

What people say

Dr. Atul Goel, official of India’s Directorate General of Health Services, according to Indian news outlet NDTV: “There has been news going around about a Metapneumovirus outbreak in China. Let me be very clear on that point. Metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus that causes the common cold, and in the very old and the very young, it can cause influenza- as symptoms.”

What happens next

The United States continues to struggle with high levels of respiratory illnesses, which typically spread more during colder months.

The CDC’s respiratory disease forecast predicts that the peak of the COVID-19 season may occur later this season. Influenza typically peaks between December and February, while RSV’s seasonal peaks vary from region to region.