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What you need to know about HMPV spreading in China


By Sulyman Pakoyi

Barely five years after COVID-19 ravaged the world, reports have indicated the surge of another respiratory virus in China – Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

China and the World Health Organization (WHO) have expressed concern over the spread of the virus. Countries like India and the UK have also reported an increase in HMPV cases since late last year.

What Is HMPV?

The virus is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which causes the common cold (upper respiratory infection). The virus spreads through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces. The virus, first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, poses a greater risk for people with weak immune systems, making people only mildly or very sick. The virus peaks during the winter and spring, and children and older people are more vulnerable to it.

The Symptoms of the Virus

People infected with HMPV experience symptoms including a cough, fever, blocked or runny nose, headache, and body aches.

The Spread

HMPV spreads the way people get flu or COVID-19. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces.

Any Difference between HMPV and COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is hard to differentiate between respiratory illnesses as they have similar symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and congestion. However, treatment can differ, especially for people who are or can become very sick. COVID-19 and influenza have specific antiviral treatment options. Doctors may use diagnostic tests to identify the cause before deciding on the treatment.

Preventing the Virus

Currently, there is no approved antiviral medicine for HMPV. However, most treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as using fever medications, staying hydrated, and resting. Some people feel better in a few days.

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In case of severe symptoms, contact the nearest healthcare provider or hospital. As advised by the WHO, those at higher risk should also consult their doctor, even if their symptoms are not too bad.

Nigeria’s Response to the HMPV Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, on January 6, 2025,  classified the risk of HMPV in Nigeria as moderate. 

“On January 6, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and partners such as the WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the UK Health Security Agency, conducted a dynamic risk assessment for Human Metapneumovirus. 

“The assessment classified the risk of HMPV in Nigeria as moderate. This evaluation will inform and guide preparedness efforts, decision-making, and response strategies to mitigate potential impacts,” the agency said.

While speaking on a television programme, the Director General of NCDC, Jide Idris, said Nigeria is not under serious threat and has ‘no cause for alarm.’

He said Nigeria has developed some capabilities based on past outbreaks, especially Ebola and COVID-19.
“That’s precisely what we are doing in Nigeria. We’ve experienced some major problems — we had Ebola and we had COVID. With those two, we developed some capabilities.

“We learned our lessons and put infrastructure in place. So we’ve got public health infrastructure,” he said.

Jide said Nigeria is in the monitoring and alert phase while taking further instructions from WHO on the outbreak.
“Because every country is supposed to report cases like this, any case, any problem to WHO — those things that they consider might become global problems later so that they can alert every other country to get prepared,” he said.

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What you need to know about HMPV spreading in China

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