17 hours Ago By Chioma Umeha
LAGOS – Five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of COVID-19, China is experiencing a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV), infections of a respiratory virus. With the surge in the cases, there are reports of overcrowded hospitals, new monitoring measures, and public concerns about an outbreak, despite that authorities in Beijing have downplayed the escalation of the viral infection, according to agency reports. The virus, HMPV, has seen cases spiking across northern Chinese provinces this winter, particularly among children.
The outbreak comes five years after the world was first alerted to the emergence of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which later turned into a global pandemic with seven million deaths reported. However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians of the country’s preparedness to tackle the virus, should it emerge. The NCDC, in a public health advisory issued on January 5, 2025, emphasised that there is no evidence of increased HMPV cases in Nigeria but urged heightened vigilance and preventive measures.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, stated, “We are closely monitoring the global situation, particularly reports from China, the UK, and other affected countries. Our proactive measures are in place to safeguard Nigerians against any potential threat posed by HMPV.
” What Is HMPV? Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms but can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people. While the illness is typically mild, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, particularly in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus is not new but has gained attention amid a surge in cases, particularly in children under 14 in northern China.
The disease is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and has been around since at least 2001 when it was first identified in the Netherlands. Its outbreaks are concentrated during colder seasons. HMPV is a single-stranded RNA virus that spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Cases have been previously identified in various countries, including the United Kingdom. HMPV Symptoms Its symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with an incubation period of three to six days. Unlike Covid-19, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV; treatment primarily involves managing symptoms.
It is one of several viruses often lumped under a broad definition of the “common cold”, said Stephens. It is not a notifiable disease like Covid-19 or influenza. “There is a range of others .
.. that are not notifiable because they are very common and lots of people get them.
They make us feel terrible for a few days but if we rest and recuperate for a few days then we get better,” said Dr Jacqueline Stephens, a senior lecturer in public health at Flinders University in Australia. Rising HMPV Cases In China The spike in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that typically fuel the spread of respiratory viruses. Health officials emphasize that this surge is consistent with seasonal trends.
China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration recently reported an increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV, during the winter. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not flagged the situation as a global health emergency, but the rise in cases has prompted authorities to bolster monitoring systems. A pilot programme has been launched to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring labs and health agencies report and manage cases more effectively, according to agency reports.
HMPV Virus Spread To Other Countries Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are keeping a close watch on the situation. Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarity to Covid-19 and influenza.
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control has said the virus’s higher risks for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In neighbouring India, officials said there is no need for panic as HMPV is “like any other respiratory virus.” The Risky Population HMPV can lead to more serious illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia among elderly people, very young children, and people who are immunocompromised.
“It certainly can and does cause severe disease, that’s why I think it’s important that people know it’s out there,” said Prof Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Mater Health Services in Brisbane. “The challenge is at the moment there’s not much we can do except educate people [that] it’s around to reduce transmission. There’s no vaccine or antivirals, although there are some vaccines in development,” said Griffin.
Concerns About HMPV HMPV is not like Covid-19, in that it has been around for several decades and there is a level of immunity in the global population from past infections, the experts said. Covid-19 was a new disease that had never infected humans before, driving the pandemic-level spread. Prevention Tips The NCDC DG urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures such as regular handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and avoiding crowded places.
Dr. Idris noted, “Vulnerable groups, including young children and the elderly, must seek prompt medical attention if they experience symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath.” Human Metapneumovirus spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces.
While there is no vaccine or specific treatment, supportive care like hydration and fever management can help recovery, he added..
