In the past month alone, Google searches for ‘HMPV’ have skyrocketed 31,400%, with more than 1.7 million seeking further information on the virus.
But what is HMPV? What are the symptoms to look out for and is there anything to be worried about in the UK?
Read the latest Disease Outbreak News: Trends of acute respiratory infection, including human metapneumovirus, in the Northern Hemisphere.🔗https://t.co/ru8KvpfHDG pic.twitter.com/1VBsaZMYax
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) January 7, 2025
What is HMPV?
HMPV, or human metapneumovirus is an RNA virus that was first identified in the Netherlands back in 2001, Doctor Catherine Hyatt from online pharmacy MedExpress explains.
Despite the fact it has been around for nearly 24 years, it has raised concerns recently due to a surge in cases in China.
HMPV symptoms
HMPV can cause flu or cold-like symptoms in both adults and children.
Dr Hyatt said: “The infection is usually mild, however, can cause complications for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those who are immunocompromised.”
Like many other respiratory illnesses, symptoms of HMPV can include:
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Cold or flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, runny nose, cough)
How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19
Those more vulnerable groups may experience more severe symptoms including:
- Acute bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Bronchiolitis
How is HMPV spread?
HMPV can be transmitted by coming into contact with someone with the virus, for example shanking hands or hugging.
You can also pick up the virus from touching surfaces that have been contaminated with HMPV.
How to prevent the spread of HMPV
Ways to help prevent the spread of HMPV, according to Dr Wyatt, are:
- Wash your hands with soap and water (or hand sanitiser)
- Cover your nose or mouth when sneezing
- Avoid being around people if you know they are sick
- Avoid touching your face
Should we be worried about HMPV in the UK?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) addressed the increased interest in HMPV cases (in China) in a recent report.
The WHO labelled HMPV as a “common respiratory virus” that circulates in lots of countries in winter through to spring.
“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.”
– @who pic.twitter.com/zojxwNLgH8
— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) January 7, 2025
It added while there had been an increase in HMPV cases in China it was “within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern hemisphere winter”.
Dr Wyatt added: “Like other respiratory infections, we see cases can rise to their peak during the winter and early spring.
“This may be related to increased social occasions indoors in the colder months.
“Whilst it’s helpful to be aware of HMPV, it’s important to remember that we have known about this virus for some time (since 2001) which makes it different from our experience of the emergence of COVID.”
HMPV cases in the UK
HMPV cases in the UK remain at a “stable” level, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
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This comes despite the WHO saying: “In many countries of the Northern Hemisphere, trends in acute respiratory infections increase at this time of year.
“These increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, RSV, and other common respiratory viruses, including hMPV, as well as mycoplasma pneumoniae.”
“The co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens during the winter season can sometimes cause an increased burden on health care systems treating sick persons.”