Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has caused ongoing acute respiratory infections in China, mainly infects children under five years old, and patients can be re-infected after their first infection, according to the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine (VIAM).  

HMPV, which was first discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, usually causes upper respiratory infections, but can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia, asthma attacks, or a worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Dr. Truong Hong Son from VIAM.

Children under five are most affected by HMPV, but adults over 65 years of age and those with respiratory problems or weakened immune systems may also experience severe symptoms. 

HMPV infections are more common in winter and early spring, and patients can get the virus more than once, though symptoms are usually milder after the first infection.

HMPV has an incubation period of three to five days. An important feature of this virus is its ability to create incomplete immunity after infection, leading to the phenomenon of reinfection that can occur many times in a lifetime.

Clinical manifestations of HMPV infection have a wide spectrum, ranging from the common cold syndrome, including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing, to severe complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, Dr. Son said.

The severity of the disease is often closely related to the host's immune status, and primary infection often causes more severe clinical manifestations.

HMPV is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets being dispersed into the air through coughing, sneezing, or even normal talking. 

In addition, HMPV transmission can also occur when people make direct contact with a surface contaminated with the virus and then touch the mucous membranes of their nose, mouth, or eyes.

Although HMPV can be detected year-round, it tends to be more prevalent in winter and early spring.

Epidemiological studies show that HMPV accounts for about 10-12 percent of the total diagnosed respiratory infections in children, Dr. Son stated.

Most HMPV cases have mild clinical manifestations, though 5-16 percent of cases may progress to severe lower respiratory tract infections, with pneumonia being the most concerning complication.

HMPV also has a significant impact on vulnerable populations, including children, immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and people with underlying diseases. Notably, in these groups, co-infection with other respiratory viral agents is frequently observed, increasing the complexity of diagnosis and treatment.

Particularly, the virus may cause life-threatening complications in patients with underlying diseases or risk factors. 

According to a study published in the Lancet Global Health Journal in 2021, HMPV was identified as a significant cause of death in acute lower respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years of age.

This highlights the importance of early monitoring and intervention in this age group. 

However, the major challenge in controlling HMPV is the lack of specific treatments and preventive vaccines. Therefore, current treatment strategies mainly focus on symptom control and supportive treatment, especially in high-risk subjects.

HMPV can cause serious complications requiring hospitalization such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media, and worsening of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. 

Prevention of HMPV infection requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on personal hygiene measures, and other infection prevention practices.

Accordingly, people should wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbows, practice regular handwashing, avoid close contact with those with respiratory infection symptoms, and not share personal items such as dishes, cups, and eating utensils. 

In addition, it is advisable to keep a clean living environment, strengthen your immune system, maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, ensure a reasonable diet, maintain a positive mood, and minimize stress.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently said it has not observed any unusual patterns in a recent pneumonia outbreak caused by HMPV in China, noting the recorded rise in respiratory pathogen detections is still within the expected range for the winter season, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health reported.

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