What is HMPV? Explaining the New Virus Outbreak in China
Concerns are rising about HMPV, or human metapneumovirus, following reports of a new viral outbreak in China. Social media posts have warned that Chinese hospitals are being overwhelmed with patients suffering from HMPV and other viruses, many showing symptoms similar to COVID-19. First discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV is a seasonal virus that primarily causes lung infections. Here’s what we know so far about the surge in HMPV cases in China in January 2025.
What is the new HMPV outbreak in China?
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the recent rise in HMPV cases, as reported by the state-run China Daily newspaper.
Kan Biao, a spokesperson for the agency, downplayed the severity of the outbreak during a news conference, noting that an increase in infections from HMPV, influenza, rhinovirus, and mycoplasma pneumonia is typical in winter months. Kan emphasized that COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases remain at “low levels.” Despite some social media claims that China has declared a state of emergency due to the viral outbreaks, fact-checkers from Rappler have found no evidence to support this.
Kan further suggested that flu infections are expected to rise among children aged 14 and under, while norovirus—causing vomiting and diarrhea—will remain prevalent for the next two months.
According to the American Lung Association, HMPV is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections. It spreads through close contact with infected individuals, and its symptoms closely resemble those of the common cold, usually lasting between two to five days. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of complications like pneumonia.
Though HMPV is affecting populations in both the U.S. and China, it is not as novel as viruses like COVID-19, and herd immunity is more widespread. This significantly reduces the risk of a pandemic.
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