In 2025, in China, for the first time after the Covid-19 pandemic, an outbreak of acute viral disease was recorded-human metapneumovirus. Cases of metapneumovirus are also revealed at the borders of Eurasia in Kazakhstan. We will talk about the symptoms, treatment methods and the consequences of the disease.
In China, there is a surge of acute respiratory viral infections (SARS). This led to the overload of hospitals, especially in the northern provinces of China. The Office for Control and Prevention of Diseases of the PRC reports:“The main pathogens are the influenza virus, human metapneumovirus and rhinovirus. SARS, including metapneumovirus, actively spread within the country.High incidence is observed among children under 14 years of age".
According to official figures dated January 5, 2025, 30 cases of human metapneumovirus were registered in Kazakhstan.
Features of the virus
Metapneumovirus of a person (HMPV, Human Metapneumovirus) is one of the classic viruses that circulates in many countries for tens of years and causes respiratory tract infections. It was first described in 2001 in the Netherlands, but the studies showed that the virus has struck people for decades before its discovery. By 2018, he identified two genotypes (lines A and B), in each of these lines - two subteips.
Viral RNA encodes 9 proteins. The species is similar to the respiratory system of a person, the similarity of amino acid sequences is 23–43%.
The average size of the virions is 209 nm, the forms are playomorphic, spherical and filamentary.
Symptoms
Signs of the disease do not differ from the symptoms of any other respiratory virus. The main of them:
- headache;
- runny nose;
- cough;
- fever;
- hoarseness;
- Difficult breathing.
The virus is able to cause bronchiolite or pneumonia.
Who is subject to
At risk, children, elderly people, patients with chronic lung diseases or weakened immunity.
Ways of infection
Metapnemovirus is transmitted by airborne droplets.
Diagnostics
The virus is diagnosed in strokes from the nasal cavity and oropharynx by the PCR method with hybridization and detection of fluorescence in real time (PCR-FRV)
Treatment
There is no special antiviral therapy. Basically, you need to drink more hot and antipyretic, as well as moisturize air, ventilate the room and observe bed rest.
In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be required.
Prevention and recommendations
- limit visiting places of mass accumulation of people, especially closed premises;
- regularly ventilate the rooms;
- use antiseptics or disinfectant napkins for hand processing;
- limit contact with sick people, ensure their isolation;
- when the symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections appear, leave the children at home;
- If signs of the disease appear, seek medical help.
The material was prepared by employees of the pulmonology department No. 2 of the 6th city clinical hospital.
