“The outbreak of the “new” metapneumovirus in the world: how dangerous it is and whether it threatens Ukraine — BBC January 7, 00:24 Share: 14 cases of metapneumovirus infection have been officially confirmed in Ukraine (Photo: Getty Images) In early 2025, an outbreak of metapneumovirus was recorded in China infection (HMPV). Images of crowded hospitals appear online. Such news caused concern and heated discussions. All the more so, as it has already been reported in Ukraine”, — write on: ua.news
The outbreak of the “new” metapneumovirus in the world: how dangerous it is and whether it threatens Ukraine – BBC January 7, 00:24
14 cases of metapneumovirus infection have been officially confirmed in Ukraine (Photo: Getty Images)
At the beginning of 2025, an outbreak of metapneumovirus infection was recorded in China (HMPV). Images of crowded hospitals appear online. Such news caused concern and heated discussions. Especially since cases of the disease have already been reported in Ukraine, reports BBC Ukraine. NV publishes material within the framework of information cooperation.
How true are the alarming data about “mysterious” virus and does it threaten the world?
Official Beijing comments on the spread of HMPV as an annual winter phenomenon that many other countries are currently experiencing.
On the website of the Office for Disease Control and Prevention of China, there are indeed reports of detected cases of infection.
However, the Chinese health authorities do not confirm the unusual, critical surge of metapneumovirus. At least for the moment. There is no evidence that this pathogen is new.
In Ukraine, 14 cases of metapneumovirus infection have been officially confirmed so far, the public health center reported.
They insist that this is not a new threat, but a seasonal phenomenon, just like last year.
Metapneumovirus circulates in Ukraine during each epidemic season, and currently the situation is routine and controlled.
What kind of virus is this?
According to scientists, this virus has been known for a long time / Photo: Getty Images
Metapneumovirus, according to infectious disease specialist Olga Golubovska, was discovered back in 2001, it belongs to the Pneumoviridae family together with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
According to the professor, the new disease arose as a result of the processes of evolution and adaptation of microorganisms. Golubovska calls the virus “brother” of RSV infection, the outbreak of which was observed the year before last.
The CHG says that during the current epidemic season of 2024-2025, as of January 5, 2025, HMPV was detected in 14 people. Of them, there are 2 people aged 0−4 years, 5−14 years old – seven people, 30−64 years old – four people, and 65 and older – one person.
They say that such a situation was also observed in the last epidemic season of 2023-2024 for a similar period – then there were 24 patients.
“During this and the previous epidemic season, not a single fatal case was recorded as a result of infection caused by the metapneumovirus — all patients received medical assistance and recovered,” says the Central Health Service.
They claim that, as of now, there are no trends in the development of an outbreak caused by metapneumovirus on the territory of Ukraine.
Symptoms and first signs of the disease
As noted by the Central Health Service, the symptoms of metapneumovirus are similar to colds or mild cases of the flu: runny nose, cough, fever.
Compared to a disease like the flu, metapneumovirus is usually much milder and rarely causes complications.
The virus can cause diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract in people of any age. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.
Infection occurs by droplet. More often, the disease passes easily in the form of a runny nose and cough, but it can be severe with the development of respiratory failure, which is more often observed in people with weakened immunity, after lung transplantation, etc.
In Ukraine, 13 cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is actively spreading in China, have already been officially confirmed / Photo: Getty Images
The approximate incubation period is three to six days, and the average duration is seven to ten days. HMPV is most active during late winter and spring.
Radiographic changes in the lungs may include ground-glass features, atelectasis, and hyperinflation.
How to protect yourself
Golubovska advises not to panic, but to act according to the treatment algorithm.
The CGZ recommends:
- limit contact with patients;
- regularly wash hands with soap;
- ventilate the premises;
- avoid mass events;
- observe cough etiquette (cover your mouth with a napkin or the crook of your elbow).
It is also important for people from the risk group to monitor their health — treat chronic diseases and take vitamins (in particular, vitamin D) as prescribed by a specialist.
“All this, of course, does not guarantee infection, but we remember that the whole point is the dose of the pathogen that “attacks” you: the smaller it is, the more likely you are to have a mild disease,” the professor emphasizes.
If flu-like symptoms appeared, or there were contacts with a sick person, you should consult a doctor about testing.
Golubovska advises to measure blood saturation during the disease. It also advises doctors not to delay hospitalization of patients if the patient is progressing daily.
Since the severity of the course, according to her, is assessed not only and not so much by temperature indicators, but by the general condition of the patient, especially in risk groups.
“It is believed that concomitant infections with other viruses or bacteria can be a trigger for the severe course of the disease,” the professor summarizes.
At the same time, the Public Health Center emphasized that informational hygiene is no less important. There, citizens were urged to trust only official information.