MANILA, Philippines – There has been a rise in social media posts claiming that a new pandemic has hospitals in China overwhelmed.
While this is false — there has been a rise in respiratory illnesses lately, but health authorities here and overseas attribute it to either the amihan (northeast monsoon) season or winter.
Among the illnesses that made headlines is the alleged spread of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China. Here’s what you need to know:
About hMPV
The US Centers for DIsease Control and Prevention (CDC) said hMPV “can cause upper and lower respiratory diseases.”
Those with cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath may be suspected of having hMPV. These could also lead to bronchitis and pneumonia.
The CDC said the virus can spread via coughing, sneezing, close contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces that have been exposed to the virus. It can take up to three to six days from exposure before symptoms start appearing.
While hMPV cases are mostly mild, the Cleveland Clinic said young children, adults aged over 65, and those whose immune systems are at risk may be susceptible to developing more severe symptoms. Those with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease could also be more vulnerable to the virus.
What’s the situation in the Philippines?
The virus has been detected in the country before, although data from the Department of Health show no significant trends.
From January 1 last year to December 21, 2024, 284 out of 4,921 positive samples were found. Meanwhile, only 10 out of 339 samples from December 1 to 21, 2024, were due to hMPV.
“hMPV is being detected sporadically, with no unusual clustering or pattern throughout the year,” the DOH said.
The country logged 179,227 cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) as of December 31, 2024, lower than the 216,786 cases recorded in the previous year. The top 5 causative agents of ILI in the Philippines are rhinovirus (257/4,921 or 25.5% of positive samples), enterovirus (1,140/4,921 or 23.2%), Influenza A (1,072/4,921 or 21.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (560/4,921 or 11.4%), and adenovirus (527/4,921 or 10.7%). HMPV ranked sixth.
How do you prevent it?
The DOH advised the public to do everything they can to strengthen their immune system. This includes keeping a proper diet, exercising, and avoiding crowded areas if possible.
The DOH also outlined proper respiratory etiquette:
- Cover coughs using elbows
- Stay at home when you have cough, colds, or fever
- Wash hands with soap and water often
“Facemasks are still voluntary — for those with symptoms, and for those who want to avoid the air,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement on Wednesday, January 8.
Is hMPV treatable?
According to the American Lung Association, treatment for those with hMPV usually only focus on managing symptoms.
“Generally, this means using over-the-counter medications to control pain and fever (such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen), along with a decongestant,” the organization wrote on its website.
If the coughing and sneezing of the patient is more severe, they may need a temporary inhaler that has inhaled corticosteroid in it.
Should you be worried?
Both the DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) in separate statements have taken note of the rise in acute respiratory infections and/or ILIs at this time — attributing to winter season for some countries and rainy season in the Philippines.
The WHO acknowledged the rise in acute respiratory infections in China, which include seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and hMPV. However, the agency still noted that the increase in virus detections is still “within the range expected for this time of the year during the Northern hemisphere winter.”
The WHO also said there are no reports of “unusual outbreak patterns in China,” contrary to what is spreading online.
Back home, the DOH is calling on the public to remain vigilant and follow best health practices. The department also said they are monitoring respiratory illnesses in China amid public alarm.
“hMPV is not a new virus. We have been able to identify it for a long time. Its symptoms are not severe. Like the common cough and cold, it heals on its own as long as our resistance is strong,” Herbosa said. – Rappler.com