The rate of HMPV infections in northern China is declining, Chinese health official says

Chinese health officials stated on Sunday that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection rates are declining in northern China. This comes after international concerns arose about a potential outbreak. HMPV, which belongs to the same family as respiratory syncytial virus, causes flu- or cold-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and nasal congestion. These symptoms usually resolve on their own, but can cause lower respiratory tract infections in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Wang Liping, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stated at a press conference held by China's National Health Commission that "Human metapneumovirus is not a new virus; it has existed in human society for at least several decades." She added that the increase in cases of this virus in recent years, which was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001, is mainly due to improved detection methods.

Wang Liping pointed out, "Currently, the positive rate for human metapneumovirus testing is fluctuating, with the positive rate in northern provinces declining, and the positive rate for patients aged 14 and under also starting to decrease." Recently, photos circulating online of crowded hospitals in northern China with mask-wearing patients sparked concerns about a surge in HMPV infections. The World Health Organization has stated that it has not received reports of unusual outbreaks in China or elsewhere.

Experts say that HMPV is different from the COVID-19 virus, having existed for decades, and people have a certain level of inherent immunity to it. Most children are infected with the virus before the age of 5. Wang Liping stated that the respiratory illnesses currently affecting people in China are caused by known pathogens, and there are no new infectious diseases emerging.

Gao Xinqiang, Deputy Director of the Medical Emergency Department of the National Health Commission, stated that the number of patients in fever clinics and emergency departments nationwide has increased, but overall remains lower than the same period last year. Gao Xinqiang also emphasized that "there is no significant shortage of medical resources." Hu Qiangqiang, a spokesperson for the Health Commission, said that national flu infections are expected to gradually decline in mid-to-late January.

Currently, there is no vaccine or medication for HMPV. Experts recommend taking preventative measures to avoid infection with the virus and other respiratory illnesses, including frequent hand washing, avoiding crowds when possible, and wearing masks in crowded places.