The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring reports of the increase human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China.
HMPV, which was discovered in 2001, is common but underdiagnosed because of its resemblance to the common cold, according to the CDC.
Cases of the virus in the United States are at “pre-pandemic” levels and are not currently a “cause for concern,” but there is a large increase north china, especially in children under 14, according to media reports in Beijing.
Chinese government officials said the spike coincided with seasonal illnesses and appeared to be less severe than in other years.
The CDC says virus cases are at “pre-pandemic” levels in the US and are “not a cause for concern at this time.” (CDC)
“Respiratory infections peak during the winter season,” China’s foreign ministry said on Friday.
Dr. Eileen Schneidermedical epidemiologist in the CDC’s Division of Viral Diseases, said HMPV “is associated with approximately 20,000 hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years.”
The virus may also be a cause for concern in “older adults and immunocompromised patients.”
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HMPV has symptoms similar to flu and other respiratory viruses. (iStock)
Schneider said HMPV presentation is usually mild and can include respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and nasal congestion.
“Symptoms are often clinically indistinguishable from infection with other common respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus,” she said.
An art teacher holds a poster to raise awareness against the spread of the HMPV virus in Mumbai, India on January 6, 2025. (Indranil Aditya/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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There is currently no vaccine or cure for the virus, the CDC said, but the infection usually improves with rest, drinking fluids and over-the-counter medications.
