Metapneumovirus: something new or a forgotten old?

At the beginning of 2025, a surge of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was reported in China, which is one of the primary agents responsible for respiratory infections affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. In addition to China, this virus's activity has been noted in Indonesia, India, Japan, and various other countries worldwide. According to the Center for Public Health of Ukraine, as of January 5, 2025, this virus has been detected in 14 Ukrainians: nine children and five adults.

Currently, there is a lot of discussion in the media and social networks regarding metapneumovirus. Should Ukrainians be worried about the emergence of this virus? What are its dangers? How can one protect themselves from it? The well-known infectious disease specialist Yevhen Dubrovskyi shared his thoughts on this virus on Facebook.

“The unknown always frightens us. Just labeling a disease with some strange, mysterious name gives it immense magical power, captivating our imagination. Here we go again with ‘metapneumovirus’ – it sounds like something rare and unknown has intruded into our lives,” says the doctor.

According to the infectious disease specialist, metapneumovirus (hMPV) was identified relatively recently – in 2001. Since then, around 119 studies have been conducted examining the virus's characteristics, behavior, and infection mechanisms, along with detailed statistics compiled. Scientists assert that hMPV has been present in the human population for at least 50 years, and the immune systems of individuals older than 5 years have certainly encountered it. Large-scale studies on vast samples have confirmed that antibodies against metapneumovirus are present in nearly every individual. Thus, it cannot be said that this virus is something new for humanity.

“In 2018, a review and data compilation showed that among children under 5 years old, more than 14 million cases of ARI caused by hMPV were registered. About 4.5 percent were hospitalized. The mortality rate was 0.17% of the total number of cases. The fatality rate (among those hospitalized) was 3.7%. The unfortunate cases mostly occurred in poor countries with very low levels of medical care, and the age of the affected children was up to 6 months,” says Yevhen Dubrovskyi.

It has been demonstrated that the metapneumovirus is generally not dangerous for individuals older than 5 years. The exception is those with weakened immune systems, which is a common risk factor for any virus (influenza, measles, COVID, etc.). According to the doctor, the risk group is quite narrow. In the context of metapneumovirus, this group consists of infants.

The infectious disease specialist states that for infants under 6 months old, three viruses pose the main threat – influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and metapneumovirus, in that order. Metapneumovirus is not more dangerous than influenza. Influenza has been and remains one of the leading causes of death.

“The danger for infants lies in the immaturity of their immune systems. Until 3-6 months, the child is protected by maternal antibodies in milk; after 6 months to a year, the immune system strengthens and can start to resist,” the doctor asserts.

Thus, the key to protecting children lies in good medical care, timely examinations and responses, and most importantly, the presence of protective antibodies in the mother.

Where can these invaluable antibodies be obtained? Future mothers should get infected in advance to subsequently protect their child. Since the development of a vaccine against metapneumovirus has not progressed beyond Phase 1 trials, this is currently the only option. To achieve this, young women should lead an active, healthy lifestyle, socialize, and avoid isolation.

“As practice has shown, strict lockdowns and quarantines amid the COVID hysteria have caused a great deal of suffering. Now, outbreaks of long-known classic infections, which previously did not particularly concern anyone and were regarded as ordinary ARIs, are being registered,” explains the infectious disease specialist.

Panic, according to him, is utterly inappropriate at this time. A significant portion of young people and older children will again experience the virus, either asymptomatically or in mild forms, leading to a renewal of population immunity against metapneumovirus, ultimately protecting infants from severe forms and complications.