China is currently experiencing an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) epidemic. Several social media posts suggest that the disease is spreading rapidly and is mostly affecting children and the elderly.

A social media post under the handle SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) claims that China has declared a state of emergency as the so-called pandemic has overwhelmed hospitals and crematoriums. However, there has been no official confirmation of this.

Apart from HMPV, several viruses are said to be spreading rapidly in the country, including influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19 viruses.

The social media handle also reported that pediatric hospitals are stressed by rising cases of pneumonia and ‘white lung’.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is said to be spreading rapidly five years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there is no official statement about HMPV being an epidemic in the country, HMPV does exist and here’s what you need to know about it.

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus whose symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold. In normal cases, it causes coughing or wheezing, runny nose or sore throat.

In young children and the elderly, HMPV can be serious. The virus can cause serious illness in people with weak immune systems.

Symptoms of HMPV

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is an upper respiratory infection, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV was discovered in 2001, and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family along with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

While the duration of illness may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the typical incubation period is 3 to 6 days.

According to the CDC, symptoms of HMPV infection can turn into bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.

HMPV prevention

To avoid the spread of hMPV, health officials recommend washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with sick people.

People who have cold-like symptoms should wear a mask when going out or sneezing or coughing. It is also important to wash hands frequently.

Treatment or vaccine for hMPV

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for hMPV. No vaccine has been developed. General supportive care is given to resolve symptoms.

Is HMPV the same as COVID-19?

The symptoms of HMPV and COVID-19 are very similar. Both viruses cause respiratory problems like cough, fever, wheezing, sore throat and shortness of breath.

According to a study published in the journal Virology in April 2024, HMPV cases increased after COVID-19 in Henan, China. The study showed that HMPV infection was detected and hospitalized almost every day between April 29 and June 5, 2023.

Is HMPV going to become a new epidemic?

While several social media posts and reports have claimed that China is battling another pandemic, health officials have had no official statement regarding a possible state of emergency.

With no specific treatment or vaccine available for hMPV, awareness of the virus can help promote caution and prevention.