On the 6th, children wearing masks are waiting for treatment at a hospital in Hangzhou, China. HMPV, a type of respiratory virus, is spreading in China./Courtesy of AFP Yonhap News

Recently, as the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) spread in China and India, voices of concern about a second outbreak of a novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) grew louder. However, public health experts in Korea and abroad noted, 'HMPV is just a part of the cold that has been circulating for decades, and there is no need for major concern.'

◇The complicated name HMPV is actually a part of the cold

HMPV is a virus first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001. It is part of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that primarily infects young children. Experts explained that while the name HMPV may be unfamiliar, this virus is one of those commonly referred to as a cold for decades. Jennifer Nuzzo, a professor and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University's School of Public Health, said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal, 'HMPV is just one of the viruses that people get multiple times in their lives.'

Professor Choi Won-seok of the Infectious Diseases Department at Korea University Ansan Hospital stated, 'HMPV is a virus that has circulated in our country before and is not classified as a novel virus,' and explained, 'Various types of viruses circulate throughout the winter, and HMPV is among the many viruses that the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency monitors.'

The symptoms of HMPV are no different from those of a common cold. Like other respiratory viruses, it is accompanied by mild symptoms such as cough, fever, and nasal congestion. Since this virus has existed for several decades, adults often have immunity. However, it can be dangerous for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, as it can lead to severe symptoms such as pneumonia.

On the 5th, a child patient and their guardian are waiting for treatment at a children's hospital in Seoul. Hospitals are crowded with people as the flu is spreading in the country./Courtesy of News1

There is no separate vaccine or treatment for HMPV. Experts say that following precautions to prevent colds and influenza is sufficient. This includes washing hands frequently, covering the mouth and nose when coughing, and wearing masks in crowded places. Professor Choi Won-seok commented, 'Both the transmission routes and preventive measures for HMPV are similar to those for influenza,' adding, 'Rather than doing something new just because HMPV is circulating, the existing precautions for preventing colds and influenza should be applied equally.'

◇Reasons for suddenly heightened vigilance against HMPV

What is the reason HMPV, first identified in 2001, is suddenly receiving attention 24 years later? Experts explain that it is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chinese health authorities reported last December that the positivity rate of HMPV is increasing among children under 14. As images of crowded Chinese hospitals surfaced on social media, many began to recall the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased fear despite the reality. Spokesperson Mao Ning from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated earlier this month that the respiratory virus outbreak in China is less severe and has a limited spread compared to last year; however, this did not quell the pandemic fears circulating on social media.

Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist and senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told the Wall Street Journal, 'Since COVID-19, there has been a tendency to treat all infection-related issues as emergencies, even if they aren't urgent.' He explained, 'HMPV is a virus that has existed for a long time, but it has come to light now because health authorities around the world are testing and monitoring it more thoroughly than before.'

Professor Choi Won-seok also remarked, 'Even if it's not HMPV, influenza is already prevalent in the country, and there are many patients in hospitals,' adding, 'Now is not the time to worry about HMPV abroad, but rather we should prepare more thoroughly for the influenza and respiratory infections that are circulating domestically.'