Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is currently spreading in China and has been reported in Indonesia, affects children. In response, Professor Tri Wibawa, an expert and professor in clinical microbiology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), explained that HMPV is not a new virus.
This virus has been circulating globally for a long time, and everyone is believed to have been infected with it in childhood.
However, the virus was only clearly identified in 2001.
“Chinese authorities have confirmed that the HMPV currently spreading in China is an old strain,” explained Professor Wibawa to the press on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
He also explained that this virus is similar to SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 in several ways.
One similarity is respiratory tract infection, which leads to symptoms such as cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, and wheezing.
Individuals with weakened immune systems may sometimes experience severe lower respiratory infections.
Additionally, this virus is transmitted, like SARS-CoV-2, through droplets and bodily fluids that contaminate and come into direct contact with others.
“It can infect humans repeatedly,” he said.
Although similar, he added, theoretically, this virus does not cause fatal diseases.
In most cases, like influenza, the illness can resolve on its own.
He also mentioned that this disease is unlikely to cause a pandemic and has a much smaller risk of being fatal than SARS-CoV-2.
Moreover, unlike SARS-CoV-2, which can affect people of all ages, HMPV is more likely to affect children and individuals with weakened immune responses.
He emphasized that certain conditions should be watched out for, in addition to children and those with weakened immune systems.
These include elderly individuals over 65 and those with respiratory disorders.
This is important because the similarity to influenza makes it difficult to differentiate from regular flu.
Professor Wibawa also recommended that people adopt a healthier lifestyle to avoid potential HMPV infection.
He reminded people to eat well, drink enough, rest adequately, maintain hygiene by washing hands frequently, wear a mask if they have respiratory infection symptoms, and avoid close contact with those suspected of respiratory infection.
Considering there is currently no vaccine for this virus, he hopes people will have a strong enough immune response to prevent severe illness.
Author: Leony
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna Nurseisa Azrien
Photo: Freepik