EU keeps close watch on hMPV outbreak Amid reports from China, Europe

Spokesperson for the European Commission Eva Hrncirova has said that the EU does not see an immediate risk of a human metapneumovirus (hMPV) outbreak leading to a pandemic.

"I can assure you that, at this point, there is no need to prepare for a new pandemic," the spokesperson stated during a briefing in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports via the message posted on the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

She was responding to questions regarding the hMPV outbreak in China and reports of the first cases of the disease being detected in EU member states.

Hrncirova stressed that Brussels is closely monitoring the information being disseminated by the media on this issue. 

She added that the ECDC is closely tracking the situation, which is also being discussed by the health security committee and will be monitored in the coming weeks.

At the end of 2024, reports first emerged of an outbreak of hMPV cases in China, with the epidemic still ongoing.

Known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV), it causes acute respiratory viral infections, particularly in children under five and the elderly. The virus was first identified in 2001.

The disease, identified as human metapneumovirus (hMPV), is said to cause symptoms resembling a mild cold but has been linked to severe respiratory conditions in some cases.  Reports from China describe overcrowded hospitals, particularly those treating children with symptoms such as fever, persistent coughs, and sore throats.

By Naila Huseynova