Understanding Human Metapneumovirus, as cases emerge from China: Explained
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes mild infections similar to that caused by a common cold; children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to contracting it
model structure of Human Metapneumovirus. Photo: Wikimedia

Last week, China’s diseases control authority said that it was piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, with cases of some respiratory diseases expected to rise through the winter. According to a Reuters report, this move to establish a dedicated system was aimed at helping authorities set up protocols to handle unknown pathogens. The country was already witnessing an upward trend in overall infections as of mid-December, and was expecting to see more respiratory infections in the winter and spring. One of the pathogens that was detected, and which showed an upward trend in the northern provinces especially among people under the age of 14, was human metapneumovirus, as per the report.

Subsequently, viral posts showcasing crowds of people in what looked like Chinese hospitals began doing the rounds on social media along with statements about China allegedly declaring an emergency over this virus. However, so far, there has been no such official declaration.