The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring reports of a spike in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China. HMPV, a virus discovered in 2001, is common but often underdiagnosed due to its similarities to the common cold, as stated by the CDC.
While cases of HMPV in the United States are currently at 'pre-pandemic' levels and not a cause for concern, there has been a significant increase in northern China, particularly among children aged 14 and under, according to media reports in Beijing. Chinese government officials have noted that the spike aligns with the seasonal pattern of respiratory infections and appears to be less severe compared to previous years.
According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, respiratory infections typically peak during the winter season, which may contribute to the recent surge in HMPV cases.
Dr. Eileen Schneider, a medical epidemiologist at the CDC's Division of Viral Diseases, highlighted that HMPV is associated with approximately 20,000 hospitalizations among children under 5 years old. The virus can also pose a risk to older adults and immunocompromised individuals.
Symptoms of HMPV infection are usually mild and include respiratory issues such as cough, fever, and nasal congestion. These symptoms can be challenging to differentiate from those caused by other common respiratory viruses like the flu and respiratory syncytial virus.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific cure for HMPV, but the CDC recommends rest, adequate fluid intake, and over-the-counter medications to manage the infection, which typically improves over time.
