European Commission: No immediate need for pandemic preparedness Amid metapneumovirus concerns

A representative the European Commission (EC) has said that there is currently no need to prepare for a pandemic in light of the situation with the metapneumovirus.

"There is no need to prepare for a new pandemic. We are aware of the situation in China. The situation will be monitored in the coming weeks and will be discussed by the Health Committee," the representative told journalists in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Chinese doctors have recently reported a seasonal rise in acute respiratory illnesses in the country. According to the National Health Commission of China, the primary sources behind the surge are the influenza virus and the human metapneumovirus. Wang Quan, the chief physician at Beijing Children's Hospital, confirmed during a briefing that the incidence of both flu and metapneumovirus infections continues rising among children.

The increase in cases within this group was observed in mid-December 2024. 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