Rising HMPV infections in China spark calls for action from international health officials

Doctors from the United States and other Western countries have called on China to provide more transparency regarding the increasing number of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases within its borders. Viral footage of overcrowded hospitals and waiting rooms has circulated on social media, yet Beijing has not officially addressed the issue, according to The Daily Mail.

Despite growing concerns, health experts have reassured the public that the likelihood of a global outbreak remains low. Dr. Jacqueline Stephens, a senior lecturer in public health at Flinders University in Australia, explained that heightened vigilance following the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified fears. “I think we’re just more cautious of outbreaks now,” she said. “Everyone is hypervigilant, and you hear this term ‘human metapneumovirus’ and it sounds kind of scary.”

Chinese authorities confirmed they are monitoring the rise in HMPV cases, with health officials stating the situation is not unusual and poses minimal risk of escalating into a crisis similar to the 2019 pandemic. However, concerns persist due to China’s lack of transparency, drawing parallels to its early handling of COVID-19.

The United States has also reported an increase in HMPV cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 1.84% of weekly tests were positive for the virus as of December 28, 2024. In response, CDC officials stated they are closely monitoring the situation in China and coordinating with international partners, emphasizing that the current reports do not pose an immediate threat in the U.S.

HMPV, first identified in 2001, spreads primarily through respiratory droplets or aerosols from coughing and sneezing, as well as close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms typically include runny or stuffy nose, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, wheezing, fever, and rash. Severe cases can lead to complications such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia, particularly among children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Although the virus is generally mild, fatal cases have been recorded among vulnerable populations. A 2023 report from China’s CDC noted that HMPV contributes to approximately 1% of lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children under five, based on a study published in Lancet Global Health.

Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for HMPV, and management is limited to alleviating symptoms. Public health experts continue to monitor developments while urging caution and transparency from affected regions.