No threat of metapneumovirus infection becoming global, WHO chief tells Hungary's FM

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adanom Ghebreyesus has assured Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in a phone conversation that there is no threat of a metapneumovirus infection gaining a global character.

“My friend Tedros reassured me about the horror news of the past few days and weeks, and assured me that there is currently no threat of any kind of global health emergency. The virus that has been discussed so much in the media is well known to WHO experts, and it has appeared in similar forms several times, usually during the winter months,” Szijjártó said in a post on Facebook, per Caliber.Az.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that circulates seasonally, typically causing mild upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and fever. While most healthy individuals recover without complications, the virus can lead to more severe respiratory illnesses in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

In late 2024, China experienced a notable surge in HMPV cases, particularly among children under 14. This led to overcrowded hospitals and public concern. However, health experts emphasize that HMPV is a known virus with established immunity in the population, and it does not pose the same global threat as COVID-19.

After China, the virus spread to other countries as well, several neighbouring countries have reported increased incidences of the virus:

India: Two infants, a three-month-old girl and a six-month-old boy, were diagnosed with HMPV in Bengaluru. Another case was reported in Ahmedabad. The Indian Union Health Ministry stated that these cases are not linked to the Chinese outbreak, emphasizing HMPV's global presence.

Malaysia: The country recorded 327 HMPV cases in 2024, an increase from 225 cases in 2023. The Malaysian Health Ministry noted that HMPV is not a new disease and is being monitored.

Kazakhstan: Health authorities reported 30 cases of HMPV, though the numbers remain lower compared to other respiratory viruses like rhinovirus and adenovirus.

Kyrgyzstan: Two cases have been reported so far.

By Khagan Isayev