#18,534
For the past week or so the internet, and even the mainstream media, has been speculating over a rumored outbreak of a `mystery virus' in Northern China. Some media outlets cited hMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) as a likely cause
On Sunday, in China, hMPV, and the `Fog of Flu', we looked at some of the challenges in getting good information out of China, and a brief history of hMPV.
Today the World Health Organization has published a DON report on rising acute respiratory infections in the northern hemisphere this winter, and reports of hMPV in China.
While the full report is very much worth reading, the bottom line is that based on the available information - and assurances by the Chinese - they see no unusual viral activity in China at this time.
I've reproduced the synopsis, and risk assessment below. Follow the link to read it in its entirety.
Trends of acute respiratory infection, including human metapneumovirus, in the Northern Hemisphere
7 January 2025
Situation at a glance
In many countries of the Northern Hemisphere, trends in acute respiratory infections increase at this time of year. These increases are typically caused by seasonal epidemics of respiratory pathogens such as seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other common respiratory viruses, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV), as well as mycoplasma pneumoniae. Many countries conduct routine surveillance for acute respiratory infections and common respiratory pathogens.Currently, in some countries in the temperate Northern hemisphere, influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI) rates have increased in recent weeks and are above baseline levels, following usual seasonal trends. Seasonal influenza activity is elevated in many countries in the Northern hemisphere. Where surveillance data is available, trends in RSV detections currently vary by region with decreases reported in most regions except in North America.Recently, there has been interest in hMPV cases in China including suggestions of hospitals being overwhelmed. hMPV is a common respiratory virus found to circulate in many countries in winter through to spring, although not all countries routinely test and publish data on trends in hMPV .While some cases can be hospitalized with bronchitis or pneumonia, most people infected with hMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and recover after a few days. Based on data published by China, covering the period up to 29 December 2024, acute respiratory infections have increased during recent weeks and detections of seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, and hMPV, particularly in northern provinces of China have also increased.The observed increase in respiratory pathogen detections is within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern hemisphere winter. In China, influenza is the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen currently affecting people with acute respiratory infections.
WHO is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns. Chinese authorities report that the health care system is not overwhelmed and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered. WHO continues to monitor respiratory illnesses at global, regional and country levels through collaborative surveillance systems, and provides updates as needed.
(SNIP)
WHO risk assessment
In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics of common respiratory pathogens, including influenza, occur often during winter periods. The observed increases in acute respiratory infections and associated pathogen detections in many countries in the Northern hemisphere in recent weeks is expected at this time of year and is not unusual. The co-circulation of respiratory pathogens may pose a burden to health facilities.
