HMPV tracker: Are infections surging in India, China and the UK?

As Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases surge in China, other countries are also starting to report cases of infections.

HMPV, a common respiratory virus first identified in 2001, causes symptoms similar to the cold, flu, or COVID-19. Typically circulating alongside the winter flu season, the virus tends to cause mild illness in most people.

While HMPV is not new, it can pose significant health risks, especially to the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to severe complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.

The rapid rise in cases across various countries has put health authorities on high alert, prompting advisories to limit further spread.

So, how far has this virus spread, and what steps are countries taking to control it? Here’s what we know so far.

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India

In India, seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported so far.

The latest cases emerged from Nagpur, Maharashtra, where two children, aged seven and 14, tested positive for HMPV on Tuesday after they were taken to hospital for fever and cough treatment.  

Following these cases, the Maharashtra health department has urged the public to stay calm and avoid panic. They plan to release guidelines soon on how to prevent and manage the virus.

According to India Today, state Health Minister Prakash Abitkar will be holding a meeting at St. George’s Hospital Health Centre, with Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav also in attendance.

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Earlier cases included a two-month-old boy in Ahmedabad, as well as two infections reported in Bengaluru. Additionally, Tamil Nadu has confirmed two cases.

Despite the rise in cases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday that HMPV is not a new virus. He emphasized that the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures to protect public health.

Also read: HMPV cases: Doctor explains how to protect yourself from the virus

Malaysia

Malaysia has witnessed a notable increase in HMPV cases, with reports indicating 327 cases in 2024—an increase of 45 per cent from the 225 cases in 2023.

However, the Malaysian Ministry of Health has not officially confirmed this figure. In a recent statement, the ministry focused on monitoring pathogens responsible for respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza, without specifically mentioning HMPV.

Despite this, the health ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant. “The public is advised to proactively take care of their health and prevent infection to others, especially in enclosed and crowded areas,” it stated. “This includes those planning to travel to countries at risk.”

The ministry recommended frequent handwashing with soap, wearing face masks, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing as essential preventive measures.

Kazakhstan

In a statement on Sunday, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health revealed that it had conducted 8,360 tests for various infections, and found 30 confirmed cases of HMPV.

“HMPV strains have been identified in Kazakhstan, along with other types of infections that are actively circulating during the seasonal rise in acute respiratory viral infections and influenza,” the ministry noted.

In addition to HMPV, other viruses were reported, including 680 cases of rhinovirus, 226 of adenovirus, 206 of coronavirus, and 178 of parainfluenza.

Like regular seasonal illness, HMPV has been lingering for decades, and global populations have developed more resistance to it compared to newer viruses like COVID-19.

Symptoms of HMPV can include coughing, fever, nasal congestion, and fatigue, with the illness typically clearing within three to six days. Though there is no specific treatment or vaccine, mild cases usually resolve within a few days to a week.

UK

According to a report by the Independent, citing the latest data from the UK Health & Security Agency (UKHSA), the United Kingdom has seen an increase in HMPV cases.

Between October and December last year, the percentage of people testing positive for HMPV among those visiting participating General Practitioners with respiratory symptoms rose by 4.15 percentage points, reaching 4.53 per cent by the end of 2024.

While this increase may seem notable, it does not yet raise significant concerns. The UKHSA has classified HMPV activity as “medium,” with the rate of positive cases only slightly higher than at the start of 2024, when it was 4.18 per cent.

Also read: HMPV cases rise in India: How virus can cause serious illness in children

Hong Kong, China

China has recently experienced a rise in HMPV cases, with children being the most affected. The northern provinces, in particular, have reported an increase in infections among children under the age of 14.

According to Reuters, an official statement confirmed that there was a surge in acute respiratory diseases in China between December 16 and 22, 2024.

Social media has seen photos and videos of people wearing masks in hospitals, prompting a growing concern about number of cases in the country.

Hospitals in China  Overwhelmed as Severe "Flu" Outbreak, Including Influenza A and HMPV, Resembling 2020 COVID Surge. pic.twitter.com/GWw9u6JxsX

— Boar News (@PhamDuyHien9) December 29, 2024

Hong Kong, while part of China, has reported HMPV cases as well, though at lower levels compared to the same time last year. Neighbouring countries like Cambodia, Japan and Taiwan are also keeping a close watch on the situation.

Also read: Is HMPV similar to Covid-19? Should you be worried?

In response, Chinese health authorities have implemented emergency measures to monitor and control the spread of the virus, as reported by Independent.

China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has launched a pilot programme to monitor pneumonia of unknown origin, helping laboratories and health agencies effectively report and manage cases, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

With input from agencies