What is HMPV? Outbreak updates and symptoms explained as UK cases rise

Emma Clarke and Kate Ng
Updated ·4-min read
A young woman doctor studies the Covid-19 vaccine in the lab
Cases of HMPV in China have surged in recent weeks. (Getty Images)

Britons have been encouraged to consider wearing a face mask to reduce the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Cases of HMPV have been surging in China and some other countries. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has found that HMPV laboratory positivity has increased to 4.9% from 3.5% in the previous week.

HMPV usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold and often leads to upper respiratory infections, but can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections too. Very young children are most vulnerable to infection.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "If you’re eligible and have not yet had your flu vaccine, it’s important that you take this offer up if available through local services. This includes anyone recently pregnant or newly diagnosed as in an eligible clinical risk group.

"If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses."

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the latest report from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, published on 2 January, stated that, as expected for this time of year, there is a month-over-month increase in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, RSV and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said: "Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year."

Here's what we know about the virus – including symptoms, how it is spread and how to prevent infection.

Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV, was first identified by Dutch researchers in 2001 and is a respiratory virus with symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. But in some instances, it can lead to more serious symptoms and even result in pneumonia or bronchitis.

Those with weakened immune systems, such as elderly people, children and infants, are more susceptible to the disease, and it accounts for roughly 10-12% of respiratory illness among children, as per the Cleveland Clinic.

Professor Martin Michaelis of the University of Kent also said: "At the age of five, almost everyone has been infected with HMPV," demonstrating how common it is.

WHO also states that those with pre-existing lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, are at higher risk of severe outcomes.

Respiratory diseases like HMPV tend to be more prolific during the colder months and is spread through coughing, sneezing and coming into contact with an infected person or contaminated surface.

  • High temperature or fever

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Sore throat

  • Fatigue

  • Diarrhoea

  • Nausea

  • Rash

  • Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Bronchitis

  • Pneumonia

  • Asthma flare-ups

To reduce the risk of infection, WHO recommends staying home when ill, following medical advice regarding care, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practising regular handwashing, and getting recommended vaccines as advised by one's physician and local public health authorities.

At the moment, there is no specific treatment for HMPV, but you can manage your symptoms by getting plenty of rest and having lots of fluids. Those with severe symptoms may be put on a course of steroids to reduce inflammation and help with chesty coughs, or oxygen therapy to help ease any breathing difficulties.

Unlike COVID-19, there is no vaccine for HMPV currently, but some of the symptoms – including a cough, runny nose and fever – are similar.

There is no indication that the current outbreak of HMPV will not be contained.

Professor Martin Michaelis assures that it is "extremely unlikely" that the current outbreak of HMPV will cause another pandemic. "In contrast to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, HMPV has been around for decades, and there are high levels of immunity in the population,” he said.

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