HMPV is not a new virus and poses no pandemic threat, expert says
Recent reports from various Asian countries highlight the spread of a virus known as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The number of HMPV cases is increasing in China, with infections also identified in Japan, Malaysia, and India. Several Bangladeshi media outlets have covered the news extensively, with some reports labeling HMPV as a “new virus” and suggesting a “pandemic threat”. These alarming news have caused panic on social media, where users and pages are comparing HMPV to a pandemic.
In this report, Dismislab verified whether HMPV is indeed a “new virus” and whether it poses a “pandemic threat.” The findings reveal that HMPV is not a new virus. According to experts, the virus has been present for decades, with previous cases of infection recorded. While experts advise caution regarding its recent outbreaks, they hold the opinion that it is unlikely to become a global pandemic like COVID-19.
What is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes respiratory illnesses. It is a contagious virus transmitted through person-to-person contact or via surfaces. Symptoms of HMPV infection include coughing, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. A study published by the research organization Elsevier indicates that HMPV was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. Dr. Eileen Schneider, an epidemiologist from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Viral Diseases division, states, “In the United States each year, human metapneumovirus is associated with approximately 20,000 hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years.” She also notes serological evidence of the virus dating back to at least 1958.
How Bangladeshi media covered the HMPV
Several Bangladeshi media outlets have published reports on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), often citing Indian media as their source. For instance, a report by Jago News 24, referencing The Economic Times, said that following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a “new virus outbreak” has emerged in China, leading to overcrowded hospitals. The report further mentions health experts expressing concerns that the spread of this virus could create a significant crisis.
Similarly, Daily Jugantor, citing NDTV, states, “The world has not yet forgotten the horrors of COVID-19. At such a time, a new infectious virus has emerged in China, the origin of COVID-19. The virus, called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), is reportedly increasing pressure on hospitals and crematoriums.” Other Bangladeshi news outlets, including The Daily Campus, Kalbela, and Kaler Kantho, have also referred to HMPV as a “new virus” in their reports.
These reports cite Indian media as their sources such as NDTV, The Economic Times, and Hindustan Times.
The Daily Ittefaq referred to HMPV as a “new virus” in their report but cited Reuters as the source. However, none of the articles available on Reuters’ website mention HMPV as a new virus and United News of Bangladesh (UNB) published reports without mentioning any source.
The Daily Campus reported, “Fear has spread on social media about the new virus HMPV. Some netizens are anxious about whether a situation like the one five years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, could happen again.” Ekattor TV’s report mentioned, “Health experts have warned that the virus could become as severe as COVID-19. They fear that by 2025, a new pandemic could emerge similar to COVID-19. However, it is not confirmed whether HMPV would be that pandemic.”
A report published in the Daily Prothom Alo based on UNB’s report stated, “The new threat, the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen an outbreak in China and Japan. Many have already been infected with this influenza-like virus. Health experts have warned that the virus could become as severe as COVID-19.” The report also mentioned that around 11 diseases have been listed as potential pandemics for the year 2025. While the list includes diseases like measles, cholera, bird flu, and scabies, HMPV is not mentioned. However, it noted that the recent outbreak of HMPV has raised concerns among medical and public health experts. The report quoted Dr. Michael Head, a senior researcher at the University of Southampton, expressing concerns about the situation.
The fear spread in the media about HMPV has also been reflected on social media. Sharing a report from the Daily Ittefaq, one user wrote, “After the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is once again in fear of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).” Another user posted, “Name: HMPV (New Corona), Place of Birth: China, First international trip: India. Presenting HMPV, produced by India, dedicated by China.” Several other Facebook posts (1, 2, 3) have also circulated by spreading fear around this virus. Some claim that the virus has the potential to become a pandemic (1, 2, 3, 4).
HMPV in Indian media
Indian media outlets have widely reported on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). A report’s title of Republic World is, “HMPV: The Mysterious Virus China is Struggling With– What You Need to Know?” NDTV used the headline: “China New Virus | HMPV Outbreak In China: Symptoms, Spread And All You Need To Know”
A report in The Economic Times, citing other media sources, stated, “China is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), according to reports. Reports and social media posts suggest the virus is spreading rapidly, with some claiming hospitals and crematories are overwhelmed.” The same outlet’s video report was titled, “China hiding new epidemic? ‘Covid-like’ virus HMPV sparks new scare; chaos grips hospitals | Report.”
Bangladeshi media outlets have mentioned a list of 11 diseases as potential pandemic threats, a detail found in a report by The Economic Times. The Economic Times article cited a report from The Mirror US, which stated that doctors are concerned about 11 diseases that could pose significant challenges in 2025.
In the report published on December 29, 2024, by The Mirror US, Michael Head, a senior researcher in health at the University of Southampton, was quoted as saying, “Disease X is one of the infections most likely to result in serious outbreaks, possibly even escalating to a pandemic. If such an outbreak were to occur suddenly, the world would likely be caught off guard, much like the global shock caused by the coronavirus.” However, Dr. Head did not make any direct comments about HMPV, and there appears to be no connection between the report and the discussed virus. The report listed the 11 diseases of concern: Disease X, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile fever, measles, COVID, cholera, bird flu, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, whooping cough, and scabies.
Are there reasons to panic?
Although it is advised to remain cautious about the HMPV virus, experts have stated that there is no imminent threat of a pandemic. According to a report in The Guardian, “HMPV is not like Covid-19, in that it has been around for several decades and there is a level of immunity in the global population from past infections, the experts said.” Professor Paul Griffin, director of infectious diseases at Brisbane’s Mater Health Centre, stated, “I don’t think we’re necessarily concerned about a pandemic with this virus, but the surge in cases and impact it’s having are significant.”
An Indian media outlet, The Hindu, reported statements from pediatric specialists indicating that HMPV is not a mysterious virus; it is something observed annually. In the same report, pediatrician Sivaranjani Santosh commented, “We see it every year, typically from around July or August to December or January.”
According to a January 7 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), this time of the year sees a rise in respiratory infections across many countries in the Northern Hemisphere. These infections are generally caused by respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HMPV, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Highlighting the recent interest in HMPV outbreaks in China, the report stated, “Based on data published by China, covering the period up to 29 December 2024, acute respiratory infections have increased during recent weeks and detections of seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, and hMPV, particularly in northern provinces of China have also increased. The observed increase in respiratory pathogen detections is within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern hemisphere winter. ”
WHO advises that in regions experiencing winter, standard precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens and reduce associated risks, especially to protect the most vulnerable populations. Individuals with mild symptoms should stay home and rest to avoid infecting others. Those at higher risk or experiencing severe or complicated symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additional recommendations include wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, covering coughs or sneezes with tissues or the crook of the elbow, washing hands regularly, and considering recommended vaccinations as per advice from medical professionals or local public health authorities.
According to a report by Bangladesh’s The Business Standard, virologists and medical experts have stated that since this virus is not new, there is no need for panic but rather caution. Dr. Moinul Ahsan, Director of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh, said, “HMPV is not a new virus. It is similar to influenza. Cases of this virus have been detected in Bangladesh before. It is a mild virus, so there is no need for panic. Maintaining general hygiene is sufficient.” Additionally, Dr. Arifa Akram, Head of the Department of Virology at the National Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Referral Center, remarked, “HMPV is not a deadly disease. However, children and elderly individuals should remain cautious. Unlike COVID, this virus should not cause widespread panic but requires attention and vigilance.”
Since mid-December 2024, the number of HMPV cases has been rising in China. Recently, media reports have also confirmed cases of this virus in India and Malaysia.
