DOH: HMPV NOT NEW, REJECTS LOCKDOWN AND BORDER CLOSURE

Following an upward trend of HMPV in China, the health agency pointed out that the virus is not new and there’s no need for lockdowns or border closures (Photo courtesy of Peter Parks/AFP)

The Department of Health (DOH) clarified the public that there was no need to implement lockdowns or close the country’s border over reports of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) which is surging in parts of China.

In Northern parts of China, HMPV cases have reportedly surged among young people in recent weeks. Cases of rhinoviruses, a major cause of common colds, have also risen. The HMPV was discovered in 2001 by Dutch researchers in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children with respiratory infections caused by unkown pathogens. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur urged Filipinos to remain vigilant against HMPV following the rise of cases in Southeast Asian. It noted that at least 327 cases were reported in Malaysia in 2024.

“This is a respiratory infection that usually feels like a common cold, with symptoms like cough, fever, and runny nose. However, in more serious cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia,” it said in a statement. 

According to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the HMPV have been logged in the Philippines last year, saying it is not new and is only mild. “HMPV is not a new virus. We have been able to identify it for a long time.”

Herbosa said that the virus symptoms are not severe. Like the common cough and cold, it heals on its own as long as the resistance is strong. Compared to COVID-19, HMPV is relatively known and understood.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also said HMPV is not a new virus and that the upward trend in the respiratory pathogen detections, including that of HMPV, during the winter is “within the range expected for this time of year.”

Last year, the Philippines have detected 284 cases of HMPV which was accounted for 5.8 percent of the 4,921 samples taken from January 1 to December 21, 2024. “HMPV is being detected sporadically, with no unusual clustering or pattern, throughout the year.”

The Health department further said that HMPV circulates worldwide and not just in China. Preventive measures include good hygiene, avoiding exposure to infected people, staying home if one experiences symptoms, and adopting measures such as wearing masks.    

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Be part of ImHenyo community!

Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments

Email us at [email protected]