HMPV is not new; it is simply understudied, which is why virologists remain cautious when evaluating its danger and mutability. What is certain is that, 20 years after its discovery, it has never demonstrated the mutation or transmission capacity of Influenza or COVID-19. The abnormal prevalence of cases in northern China prompted the Centers for Disease Control to issue a preventive alert, followed by Macau’s Health Bureau. However, Chinese authorities have dismissed rumors of hospital overcrowding or any pandemic-level risk comparable to SARS or COVID-19.
Jacky Cheong, a virologist who monitored the COVID-19 outbreak, told PLATAFORMA that “in the last 15 years, various countries have experienced similar outbreaks, especially in winter. Our knowledge is more limited than in more developed countries with greater resources and data collection, but since the 2000s, we’ve all had a clearer understanding: a pandemic outbreak generally results from a combination of different viruses, such as Influenza, Coronavirus, or RSV.” In this case, there are no signs of such a combination. “The problem is that very few people have scientific knowledge, and when they hear this kind of news, they start panicking. But right now, there’s no major reason for concern.”
Cheong refrains from labeling HMPV as more or less dangerous than other viruses but acknowledges that Influenza and COVID, for example, have already proven to have “greater mutation capacity” and “spread much faster.” HMPV belongs to the respiratory syncytial virus family and can lead to hospitalizations, especially among children, who are more prone to developing bronchitis and bronchiolitis. It was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands and has since appeared in various countries and continents, from India to England, Australia to Chile, and Brazil.
In an interview with the BBC, virologist Flávio Fonseca, a microbiology researcher at the University of Minas Gerais, noted that there are “few studies” on a virus that spreads “quickly and effectively.” However, he believes the likelihood of HMPV mutating in a manner similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind COVID-19, is “very small,” primarily because “there is some natural immunity” that was absent when COVID-19 emerged, which facilitated its pandemic spread. Fonseca concluded that HMPV is unlikely to exhibit the same global behavior and will not become a pandemic.
Although severe cases occur, most HMPV infections result in colds or mild respiratory infections. It poses a higher risk for vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and immunosuppressed individuals. “It is necessary to study the unexpected increase in cases, particularly in China,” and investigate whether any mutations have occurred. While there is no definitive answer yet, Fonseca believes the rise in cases in China does not foreshadow a crisis.
HMPV has long been on surveillance lists, with China monitoring it for about 20 years. “From what we know, it mainly affects children, but there is still limited knowledge about it,” Cheong remarked. “One thing we are 100% certain of,” he concluded, “is that all these viruses follow transportation routes; that’s why we see more outbreaks today—because the world is much more connected. A virus can travel from Macau to Hong Kong in an hour. That’s the major difference from the past.”
Post-COVID, many countries are more vigilant and release more information. “What causes the panic,” Cheong observed, “is that the more we study and the more attentive we are, the more numbers we see.” The fact is that “we’ve lived with these viruses our whole lives, but now we hear about them every day.” Nevertheless, “we also monitor them better, and governments have more control over outbreak risks. As soon as the incidence exceeds normal thresholds, the population is warned to take preventive measures.”
Symptoms and Transmission
The most common symptoms associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In some cases, it can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. Infection typically occurs in early childhood, and reinfections are common. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 6 days, with the average duration similar to other viral respiratory infections. HMPV spreads primarily through secretions from sneezing, personal contact such as handshakes, or touching contaminated objects and surfaces, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Health Bureau Recommendations
- Get vaccinated annually against seasonal flu.
- Receive COVID-19 vaccines at appropriate times.
- Ensure all household members get adequate sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
- Practice good personal hygiene and wash hands frequently.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin, and wash hands immediately. If no tissue is available, use your elbow instead of your hands.
- Maintain good air circulation and environmental hygiene.
- Avoid crowded places.
- Wear a mask if you have flu symptoms, care for the sick, or visit hospitals or clinics.
- If feeling unwell, see a doctor and stay home. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly.