What is metapneumovirus: what is dangerous, symptoms, how to treat

Chinese doctors have recorded a seasonal increase in acute respiratory diseases. According to the State Hygiene and Health Committee of the People's Republic of China, the main causative agents are influenza viruses and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The strongest manifestation is in the northern provinces. Also, the virus has already been recorded in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine. Should we expect a new global epidemic, "Izvestia" analyzed.

What is the virus

- Human metapneumovirus is one of the classic viruses that for decades has been actively circulating around the globe, including in Russia. Like other infections, it is especially active during the seasonal peak of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. The virus has been known for a long time: it was first recorded in a patient at the end of 2001 in the Netherlands. Since then, it has been recorded annually in many countries of the world during the season of acute respiratory viral infections.

What is known about the virus

- Metapneumovirus is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets, less often by contact and household contact. The main symptoms of the disease are cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, fever and headache.

- Although the disease is usually mild, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at risk.

- There is no specific therapy against the virus. Only symptomatic treatment is used.

- Preventive measures for metapneumovirus infection are regular hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of the disease.

Outbreak in China

- Hu Qiangqiang, official spokesman for the State Hygiene and Health Committee of the People's Republic of China, only noted that now begins a period of active spread of respiratory diseases caused by influenza viruses and metapneumovirus. He pointed out the need to get vaccinated in time, use protective masks, observe personal hygiene and ventilate the premises.

- Wang Quan, chief physician of Beijing Children's Hospital, confirmed at the briefing the continued increase in the incidence of influenza and metapneumovirus among children. This was recorded back in mid-December 2024. Now the PRC is experiencing a period of peak incidence of respiratory diseases due to the cold weather.

- According to some British media, Chinese hospitals are overcrowded due to the peak incidence. Cases of a virus identified as human metapneumovirus have risen sharply in China's northern provinces this winter, spreading particularly strongly among children.

- Late last year, Taiwanese media reported that the mortality rate caused by the metapneumovirus was as high as 43%. In addition, reagents to test for the HMPV virus are quite scarce.

- In addition to China, the disease has also been recorded in Kazakhstan. Since the beginning of the epidemic season, from October 1, 2024, 30 cases of metapneumovirus have been detected . In neighboring Uzbekistan, its share is 1.2% in the composition of various acute respiratory viral infections. In addition, 13 cases of this virus have been recorded in Ukraine.

Is a new epidemic looming

- China noted that acute respiratory infectious diseases currently have a continuous upward trend, which can be explained by seasonality. In some provinces, the incidence of metapneumovirus is declining, while the positive rate among children under 14 years old is fluctuating and increasing. So far, local authorities are not giving predictions on how the disease will spread in the near future.

- The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet made any statements regarding the outbreak in China.

Will the virus appear in Russia

- Rospotrebnadzor is monitoring the epidemiologic situation, which is associated with an increase in the incidence of metapneumovirus in China. In Russia, the spread is controlled with the help of a set of reagents ORVI-screen for rapid diagnosis. To prevent infection, it is necessary to follow standard measures of prevention of acute respiratory viral infections.

- Russian experts note that usually metapneumovirus does not spread quickly, so there are no grounds for introducing state-level restrictions in Russia. However, the situation in China requires close attention.

- In Russia there are two epidemic seasons of acute respiratory viral infections of metapneumovirus etiology: in November (lasts until the end of winter) and in May. After the beginning of the epidemic, metapneumovirus is gradually replaced by respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and parainfluenza.

- The Russian expert community believes that the situation with influenza and ARVI has returned to what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, morbidity in the coming epidemic season may be high.

In preparing the material "Izvestia" communicated with:

• Georgy Vikulov, MD, director of the SIC on prevention and treatment of viral infections, head of the herpes center of the Moscow State University, doctor of immunology and allergology, infectious disease specialist;

• Elena Malinnikova, Professor, Head of the Department of Virology, Russian Medical Academy of Medical Sciences, leading researcher of the Mechnikov Federal State Biological University, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Chief freelance virologist of the Ministry of Health of Russia.