HMPV and Respiratory Infections on the Rise in China: Health Officials Monitor Flu Season Impact

Acute respiratory illnesses, including those caused by human metapneumovirus (HMPV), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are reportedly on the rise in China, particularly in its northern provinces. This surge in infections comes amid the ongoing flu season, with the Chinese government assuring that the overall case numbers in 2024 will be smaller than those in 2023. Despite the lack of concern from global health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), media in India has been closely following the situation, with heightened reports of an HMPV outbreak in China. According to officials from the Indian Union Health Ministry, the rise in respiratory infections in China is consistent with typical flu season patterns, and the pathogens causing the surge are those usually seen at this time of the year.

HMPV, which was first identified in children in 2001, is known to cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, with lower respiratory infections being more common. While most cases are mild, HMPV can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, often requiring hospitalization. Studies show that HMPV is a significant cause of hospital admissions in children under five, with a particular risk of fatality among infants under six months, especially in lower-income countries. In China, there has been an increase in the detection of HMPV cases among children, reflecting improvements in surveillance and testing. In contrast, India has limited availability of approved, cost-effective diagnostic tests for HMPV, with testing expanding only recently due to concerns over the rising cases in China. The situation highlights the urgent need for a regulatory framework that allows for the rapid approval of diagnostic tests, especially in the face of emerging infectious diseases.