Do we need to panic over HMPV or Human Metapneumovirus?

A panic-like situation emerged on social media across India following reports of rising HMPV cases in China.
On January 6, 2025, India reported three new cases of HMPV: two in Bengaluru and one in Ahmedabad.
But what is HMPV? What are its symptoms? Is it even a novel virus and should we be concerned?

What is HMPV?

HMPV, or Human Metapneumovirus, is one of many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages. Identified in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV spreads through direct human contact or contaminated surfaces, leading to mild upper respiratory tract infections.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. The estimated incubation period is three to six days and the duration of illness varies depending on severity but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses.

HMPV is, therefore, not a novel virus.

In India, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) recorded nine HMPV cases in December 2024, with no fatalities. These cases preceded the three reported on 6 January 2025 in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

According to The Indian Express, the nine cases reported in December included four from Puducherry, two from Odisha and one each from Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. All patients recovered.

Recent reports from China’s CDC suggest that the increase in cases there may actually be due to influenza A. The latest CDC data indicates HMPV accounts for less than 2% of weekly positive tests for respiratory viruses.

India’s Union Health Secretary has also emphasised that there is no cause for public concern regarding HMPV, which has been present globally since 2001.

Furthermore, Professor Paul Hunter, a medical expert at the University of East Anglia, England, stated:
“Almost every child will have at least one infection with HMPV by their fifth birthday and we can expect to experience multiple reinfections throughout life.”

The rapid spread of news about HMPV in India is largely due to unnecessary media hype, which has created confusion and anxiety among the public.

The hashtag #Lockdown was trending on X (formerly Twitter) on 6 January 2025. However, health experts strongly condemn the sensationalism and scaremongering, comparing it to the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Experts assert that the HMPV outbreak in China is not a major concern. It is neither a new or mysterious illness nor responsible for as many cases as COVID-19.

Although HMPV is nothing like the coronavirus, some uncertainties remain to be addressed.

Kan Biao, director of the Chinese CDC’s Institute for Infectious Diseases, warned that HMPV cases could spike during the Lunar New Year holiday at the end of January, as many people travel and gather in large groups.