Known to cause cold-like symptoms, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is sparking concern online after videos surfaced showing overcrowded hospitals in China. Present throughout the world for decades, this virus should not alarm us, however, doctors believe. It is even very likely that you have already contracted it without knowing it.
Published at 5:00 a.m.
What is happening in China?
Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, images relayed in recent days on social networks show hospitals in China filled with patients wearing masks. These publications, which quickly went viral, speak of a “mysterious epidemic” of MPVh in China, which “overwhelms hospitals”. Others cite a mixture of viruses in circulation, including MPVh, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19. Information circulating online was quickly denied. Some images were taken in December 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, reported the French channel TF1 Info.
Is there really an increase in the MPVh virus in China?
Yes, China has recorded an increase in MPVh, says infectious disease specialist at CHU Sainte-Justine Caroline Quach-Thanh. However, it coincides with the winter period, when respiratory viruses circulate more. “ [Les Chinois] are no different from us. Every winter, we see an increase in respiratory viruses and traffic in our emergency rooms. They must be the same,” says the Dre Quach-Thanh. This increase could also be explained by the establishment of a more effective infection surveillance system, which allows them to detect more cases, adds the specialist.
Is the MPVh virus new?
No way. It was first detected in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands. However, studies have shown that it has existed for at least 60 years and that it is widespread throughout the world, underlines the Dre Judith Fafard, director of the Quebec Public Health Laboratory. And you have probably already contracted it, without even knowing it, since most people are affected by this virus before the age of 5. “And it’s common to become reinfected with this virus in your life,” adds the Dre Fafard.
What are the symptoms caused by MPVh?
Symptoms often resemble those of the common cold, including fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, shortness of breath, and sore throat. In some cases, the virus can cause more serious infections like pneumonia or asthma attacks. These more severe symptoms are more common in children aged 5 and under, adults over 65, and people with respiratory problems or weakened immune systems.
Is this a virus that circulates a lot in Quebec?
Approximately 11% of respiratory illnesses among children in Quebec are caused by MPVh, reports the Dre Fafard. Most cases are mild and do not require hospitalization. There are no medications to treat human metapneumovirus, but most of the time, patients recover at home within a few days. Currently, in the province, “we are struggling more with influenza, RSV [virus respiratoire syncytial] and a little bit of COVID-19,” specifies the Dre Quach-Thanh.
How to protect yourself?
Like other colds, MPVh is transmitted by direct contact with an affected person or by touching objects contaminated by the virus. You can, for example, be infected “if you put your hand on an object that has been contaminated by a person, such as a door handle, a switch or a telephone”, illustrates the Dre Fafard, hence the importance of washing your hands often. It is also recommended to cover your nose and mouth with your elbow, rather than your hands, when sneezing or coughing, and to avoid contact when you are sick. If this is not possible, wearing a mask may be an option to consider.
