Lack of strong health care systems demands a collective global action.A new respiratory virus is currently spreading across China and it is causing apprehension not only within the country but also in its neighboring regions and beyond. The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak has raised global unease especially as China faces an uptick in infections. This surge in cases comes at a time when the world is already struggling to manage several other viral infections including COVID-19, the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Norovirus. This has led many to wonder: are we on the brink of a new pandemic?

The spread of Human Metapneumo virus (HMPV) across China is very concerning for the world

Despite the panic surrounding it, HMPV is not a new virus. It was first discovered in 2001, 24 years ago. Unlike the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which emerged suddenly in 2019, HMPV has been around for much longer. It originated in birds with its first human infection identified in the Netherlands. Since its discovery, it has been circulating globally and serves as a cause for respiratory infections that are often mistaken for the common cold. The virus is referred to commonly as “winter viral” by Chinese health officials.

HMPV spreads much like the common cold or the flu. It is transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Moreover, if an infected person touches surfaces and others come into contact with those surfaces the virus can spread. To prevent infection, it is important to practice good hygiene such as washing hands regularly and wearing a mask when in public.

Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, advises that people infected with HMPV should maintain a safe distance from others to avoid spreading the virus.He emphasizes the importance of covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing using a handkerchief or elbow rather than hands to prevent droplets from spreading. These precautions are standard for respiratory infections and can help reduce the chances of infection.

Discovered 20 years ago it is commonly referred to as the “winter viral”

Amid the rising infections, China has closed schools in different cities to try and curb the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the situation and is demanding more detailed information from China to assess the full extent of the outbreak. The timing of the HMPV outbreak — occurring in the same month as the COVID-19 pandemic began five years ago — has raised concerns that the world may be on the edge of another global health crisis.

While HMPV is the new menace making headlines, it is far from the only virus currently putting global healthcare systems under strain. This winter season has witnessed an unusual convergence of four major viral infections — COVID-19, the flu, RSV and Norovirus — a situation that has been dubbed “Quemic.” The term “Quemic” refers to the simultaneous surge of multiple viruses overwhelming healthcare systems especially in the United States and the United Kingdom.

COVID-19 continues to be a prominent challenge despite the extensive availability of vaccines and prior immunity from past infections. New variants of the virus combined with the holiday season have led to a

The Economic Times, ‘Nothing to be Alarmed, Take General Precautions: Director-General of Health Services Amid HMPV Outbreak in China’ resurgence in cases across many parts of the world. In both the U.S. and the U.K., COVID-19 has placed a significant burden on hospitals that are already fighting with other viral outbreaks.

Good hygiene practices like washing hands frequently and wearing a mask in public are advised by health practitioners

Currently, there is no vaccine for HMPV. While the virus was first identified in 2001, no vaccine has been developed yet. Several attempts have been made but researchers have faced objections related to safety and efficacy. Some animal trials showed worsened lung inflammation in vaccinated animals that led to alarms over the safety of the vaccine.

Unlike the flu, which has hundreds of variants, HMPV is a single virus but it still mutates over time making it difficult to develop long-term immunity. Scientists believe that mild infections over time can help boost the immune system.

For healthy individuals the treatment for HMPV is generally supportive. Drinking fluids and resting at home is usually enough. However, for those with weakened immune systems such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions hospitalization may be required for more serious complications.

A study published in The Lancet in 2018 found that HMPV caused 16,100 deaths worldwide with 65 percent of these deaths being among children under six months old. However, the overall mortality rate from HMPV is low and the virus is generally not considered deadly for most people. Infants particularly those under one year of age are at the highest risk of complications from HMPV but the mortality rate remains small compared to other respiratory diseases like COVID-19 or influenza.

In comparison, COVID-19 has a mortality rate of about 0.28 percent while the mortality rate for the flu is much lower at 0.0018 percent. Based on available data experts estimate that HMPV’s mortality rate is closer to that of the flu than to COVID-19. Therefore, while the virus can be serious for vulnerable individuals it is not as deadly as the recent pandemics.

Countries around the world are responding to these viral outbreaks with different levels of gravity. Malaysia has seen a 45 percent increase in HMPV cases from 2023 to 2024 while Hong Kong, Cambodia and Japan are all closely monitoring the situation. Japan which is already dealing with a flu outbreak reported over 94,000 influenza cases in mid-December 2024.

Dr. Somya Swaminathan, a former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization, has advised people to take the usual precautions to avoid illness.This includes wearing masks, washing hands regularly, avoiding crowded places and consulting a doctor if necessary. As the winter season continues, global health authorities urge people to stay vigilant and follow these simple precautions to protect themselves from the ongoing outbreaks.

No vaccine for HMPV exists currently and it seriously affects newborns

As we continue into 2025, the world faces an unfamiliar challenge with the concurrent spread of viral infections. The current situation is a reminder of the importance of maintaining strong healthcare systems and remaining alert to new outbreaks. While the immediate fear of a new pandemic may not be realized the ongoing wave in respiratory illnesses worldwide demands a collective global action.

The coming months will likely see more cases of HMPV, flu, RSV, Norovirus and some other respiratory infections. Health authorities around the world are working together to manage the situation and prevent further strain on healthcare systems. With continued vigilance, precautions and cooperation we can hope to minimize the impact of these outbreaks and prevent the situation from spiralling into a full-blown global crisis.

Lack of strong healthcare systems demand a collective global action

As health experts continue to monitor the situation, it is important for individuals to remain informed, take necessary precautions and help mitigate the spread of these infections. The world may be facing challenging times but together we can navigate through this crisis and emerge stronger.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.