Amidst the spreading information about outbreaks of metapneumovirus infection, many people are asking what kind of virus it is and how dangerous it is. We tried to figure out whether we should be afraid of HMPV and how to protect ourselves from it

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In early 2025, an outbreak of metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection was reported in China. Images of overcrowded hospitals appeared on the Internet, causing concern and heated discussions. Cases of the disease have also been reported in Ukraine. However, how serious is it and does the virus threaten the world?

What is metapneumovirus?

Metapneumovirus (HMPV) was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, as does respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is a seasonal virus that circulates annually, mainly in winter.

According to infectious disease specialist Olga Golubovskaya, metapneumovirus is a ‘brother’ of RSV infection. People have been suffering from it long before its discovery. Antibodies to the virus were detected even in the blood serum of the 1950s. Almost all children under 10 years of age have antibodies to HMPV, which indicates its prevalence.

How dangerous is the virus?

Metapneumovirus causes symptoms similar to the common cold or mild flu: runny nose, cough, and fever. The disease is usually mild and rarely leads to complications. Special care should be taken for risk groups: young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Compared to influenza and coronavirus, HMPV is less dangerous. For example, in the last week of December 2024, Ukraine recorded 4 deaths from COVID-19 and none from metapneumovirus.

Situation in Ukraine and the world

According to official data from China, cases of HMPV infection have been reported as part of the annual winter epidemic season, similar to previous years. The Chinese health authorities did not confirm a critical outbreak of this particular virus and stated that the situation was under control.

In Ukraine, according to the Public Health Centre (PHC), 14 cases of the disease have been reported since the beginning of the 2024-2025 epidemic season. Breakdown by age group:

🔻 children 0-4 years old - 2 cases,

🔻 children 5-14 years old - 7 cases,

🔻 adults aged 30-64 years - 4 cases,

🔻 people over 65 years old - 1 case.

These figures are similar to the last epidemic season, when 24 cases were reported during the same period. No deaths from metapneumovirus have been recorded in Ukraine, all patients have recovered.

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How is the virus transmitted?

HMPV is spread by airborne droplets. The incubation period lasts from 3 to 6 days, and the duration of the disease is about 7-10 days. Severe cases are more common in people with weakened immune systems.

The Public Health Centre of Ukraine emphasises that metapneumovirus does not require special protection measures. You should follow the usual rules:

- wash your hands regularly with soap and water,

- avoid contact with people who are sick,

- ventilate the room,

- follow the coughing etiquette (cover your mouth with a napkin or the bend of your elbow).

It is important for people at risk to monitor their health, treat chronic diseases and take vitamins as recommended by a doctor. If you have flu-like symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor for testing.

We would also like to note that health insurance will help you protect yourself from unforeseen health situations. Take out insurance and be sure that you will receive medical care as soon as possible if necessary. Such insurance can be taken out by both Ukrainians abroad and foreigners in Ukraine.

Should we be afraid of an epidemic?

According to experts, there is no threat of a pandemic caused by the metapneumovirus. According to Dr Fedir Lapiy, the virus has been circulating for a long time, and most people already have antibodies to it. Statistics confirm that in the current epidemic season, HMPV ranks only 7-8th in terms of the frequency of cases, behind parainfluenza, coronavirus and adenovirus.

The Public Health Centre of Ukraine emphasises that the situation is routine and fully controlled. It is important to trust only official information and not to panic.

We remind you! It is important for Ukrainians staying in EU countries to have health insurance. It not only provides financial protection, helping to avoid high medical costs, but also ensures access to medical care in accordance with European standards. However, there are a number of other important reasons for taking out insurance.

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