hMPV a common seasonal recurrence, no public alarm needs

KUALA LUMPUR - There is no need for public alarm or panic about the presence of human metapneumovirus (hMPV), as it is known for its seasonal recurrence patterns.

Molecular virologist and associate professor at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia Dr B. Vinod said that hMPV lacked the high transmissibility and asymptomatic spread observed with Covid-19.

Dr Vinod said that although China is experiencing seasonal respiratory illness spikes, including hMPV, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, there was no evidence to suggest that these posed a global pandemic threat like Covid-19 had.

He said Malaysia had a pre-existing circulation of hMPV and other respiratory viruses, and the arrival of tourists was unlikely to introduce a new or unknown pathogen unless surveillance identified one.

"Unlike SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid-19) in 2020, hMPV does not spread asymptomatically as extensively, and its severity is generally manageable in healthy populations," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.

According to Dr Vinod, the high-risk groups identified for hMPV infection include infants and young children, particularly those under one year of age, elderly individuals who may have a generally weaker immune system, as well as immunocompromised individuals such as those undergoing chemotherapy or managing chronic illnesses.

"hMPV, Covid-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), and influenza are all respiratory viruses but differ in severity, whereby Covid-19 and influenza (flu) range from mild to severe conditions.

"hMPV, on the other hand, only generally causes mild to moderate respiratory illness. However, in high-risk groups, it could also lead to severe conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. hMPV infections are more common in late winter and spring, similar to influenza," he said.

Elaborating on the symptoms of hMPV, Dr Vinod said that the infection typically resembled the common cold, which might include a cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath and sometimes a rash.

He added that hMPV spreads primarily through direct contact with infectious secretions, such as saliva and respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes and/or touches surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touches the mouth, nose or eyes before washing hands.

To reduce the risk of hMPV infection, Dr Vinod advised regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser when soap and water were unavailable and refraining from touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

"Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces and avoid close contact with others when experiencing respiratory symptoms to prevent spreading the virus," he said.

As a further precautionary measure, Dr Vinod suggested that health authorities educate the public about hMPV, its symptoms, transmission methods and preventive measures, as well as ensure healthcare facilities are well prepared to manage an increase in respiratory infections, including adequate supplies and protocols.

Last Saturday, the Health Ministry (MOH) informed that, according to data from the National Public Health Laboratory and the ministry hospital laboratories, 327 samples tested positive for hMPV in 2024, an increase from 225 in 2023.

However, the MOH said that hMPV infection does not require mandatory reporting under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 as it is not a new type of illness. - BERNAMA