In Ukraine, 13 people have fallen ill with Chinese metapneumovirus (HMPV). How dangerous is it, can it become a new pandemic, how to protect yourself from the disease. Analysis

What is metapneumovirus?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. It can cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, or worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. HMPV is more commonly diagnosed in the winter and early spring.

What are its symptoms?

Symptoms of HMPV are similar to the flu. These include a runny nose, cough, and fever. There may also be a sore throat, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The Central Health Center assures that metapneumovirus usually has a much milder course than the flu and rarely causes complications. Young children, adults aged 65+, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.

How is the virus most commonly transmitted?

Through coughing and sneezing. And also through handshakes, hugs and kisses. It can also be various surfaces and objects - phones, doorknobs, keyboards or toys. If symptoms of a respiratory disease appear, it is worth confirming the diagnosis by testing for influenza, COVID-19 or metapneumovirus, especially if we are talking about risk groups. In addition, it is important to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood using a pulse oximeter and consult a doctor in a timely manner if the condition worsens.

How long does a person's illness last?

The incubation period of HMPV is 3-6 days, and the duration of the disease varies from 7 to 10 days. Inhaled ribavirin is used for seriously ill patients in the world, but this form of the drug is not registered in Ukraine.

How the virus threatens Ukrainians today

The Public Health Center of Ukraine emphasizes that the situation is routine and is fully under control. Compared to a disease such as influenza, metapneumovirus has a much milder course and very rarely leads to complications. During the 2024/2025 epidemiological season, 13 cases of the disease were detected among Ukrainians, two of them during December 23-29.

How to protect yourself from the virus

There is no specific protection against metapneumovirus. It is necessary to follow well-known preventive measures:

— Wash your hands regularly with soap;

— Avoid contact with sick people;

— Follow “cough etiquette” (cover your mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow);

- Periodically ventilate the room.

How serious is the virus situation in China?

Videos of crowded hospitals in China have been circulating online as the number of HMPV cases has risen. The newspaper said Beijing is downplaying the problem of the metapneumovirus outbreak, dismissing it as an annual winter phenomenon. Some countries have warned travelers to reconsider their travel plans to China. Asked about the crowded hospitals and reports of a surge in respiratory illnesses, she said that “the illnesses appear to be less severe and spreading on a smaller scale compared to last year” (the COVID-19 pandemic — ed.).

How are China's neighboring countries responding to the virus?

Cambodia's Department of Communicable Disease Control has warned that HMPV is similar to COVID-19 and influenza. Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control warns that HMPV poses a greater risk to children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. India's health ministry has commented on the panic surrounding HMPV, saying that an outbreak in China is not uncommon and that India will be "fully prepared" to deal with respiratory diseases.

Could HMPV become a new pandemic?

HMPV shares some similarities with COVID-19. Both viruses are respiratory and have similar symptoms: cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, and shortness of breath. However, it is too early to say how widespread a threat HMPV poses, although some experts are cautiously optimistic that a new pandemic can be avoided.

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