It’s that time of year again! As people gather indoors for the winter, influenza and other respiratory infections are rising in numbers. A particular respiratory illness, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has received recent attention due to an uptick in cases reported in Northern China. Experts, including the World Health Organization (WHO), are not expressing concern during this time, reminding the public HMPV has been circulating for years, and immunity has been established throughout the global population.
Since this virus’ discovery in 2001, HMPV has remained somewhat undistinguished from other respiratory illnesses. Direct testing is available, though not considered routine, and symptoms—including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath—match those of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Many cases of HMPV have therefore been attributed to such diseases instead.
Still, each year about 20,000 hospitalizations occur among infants infected by HMPV in America. In higher-risk cases, patients have exhibited bronchitis or pneumonia. Fatalities are rare in countries with proper health systems and surveillance in place. As of now, there is no HMPV-specific antiviral therapy or vaccine. According to the New York Times, research is underway to create a combination vaccine for RSV and HMPV.
The CDC posts regular guidance and data on respiratory diseases in the United States. As of January 3, overall respiratory illness activity is high and continues to increase, typical of the winter months. The CDC reports hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are expected to be lower than last year but higher than before the pandemic. Transmission of HMPV occurs through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces. Guidance for patients to wash their hands often and avoid close contact with sick individuals can prevent the spread of respiratory viruses during this time of year.
Check out TAG’s Infectious Disease Fact Sheets for further information on respiratory illnesses!
COVID Risk Matrix:
Influenza:
Infectious Disease News:
- Flu cases increased during the holidays globally.
- Through the end of 2024 in Spain, the incidence rate is 33.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and the rate of serious cases requiring hospitalization due to flu complications rose to 3.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 1.9 in the previous seven days.
- In England, the National Health Service reported that as of the 29th of December, there were an average of 4,469 patients with flu in hospital each day. This was almost 3.5 times higher than the same week last year.
- There are increases in cases of influenza, coronavirus, and other diseases in Israel.
- France has expanded its vaccination program against meningococcal disease starting January 1 due to a rise in cases, particularly among children and teenagers who are more vulnerable to severe forms of meningitis. From January to November 2024, more than 500 cases of meningococcal disease were reported, the highest in the past 20 years and slightly up from 2023.
- Surges in norovirus illnesses are reported. The CDC states that annually there are an estimated 2,500 reported norovirus outbreaks in the US.
- As of December 27, 2024, the FDA issued new expanded warnings on oysters due to potential norovirus contamination. Restaurants and food retailers are advised not to serve or sell and to dispose of, and consumers not to eat, these oysters from Taylor Shellfish Canada ULC.
- Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms but can lead to severe illness in vulnerable populations. China is seeing a surge in HMPV cases, overwhelming hospitals, though authorities attribute this to typical winter trends. In India, three cases have been confirmed in Bengaluru, with health officials noting the virus is already in circulation and urging vigilance without panic. Globally, while some countries have reported cases, experts consider the risk of a pandemic similar to COVID-19 to be low.
- The US has recorded its first fatal H5N1 infection. An individual who was older than 65 and had underlying health conditions died after being hospitalized with severe H5N1 avian flu infection. The individual was exposed to the virus through contact with backyard poultry and wild birds.
