The HMPV virus is causing a wave of panic on social networks, where images of supposedly crowded Chinese hospitals are being relayed en masse. In reality, the metapneumovirus has been known to labs for a very long time. It is even present in Belgium currently.
The HMPV virus -or human metapneumovirus– causes panic in China… and around the world. On X, videos of crowded hospitals are circulating en masse. It is difficult, however, to authenticate the veracity of all of these images. Some could date from the Covid period. Others are simply a reflection of seasonal congestion in hospitals.
The virus in question, on the other hand, actually exists. China remains –no surprise– discreet in his communication. Rumors claim that the country has triggered a state of health emergency. This is not the case. The WHO, for its part, has not yet taken a position. It lacks relevant data.
Only the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an increase in cases of flu-like illness. Among the positive tests, HMPV currently outperforms other viruses like Covid-19 and adenovirus. What to sound the alarm about? Here’s why the commotion on social media is vastly exaggerated.
HMPV: a common virus known since 2001… and present in Belgium every year
Human metapneumovirus is similar to RSV, respiratory syncytial virus (or bronchiolitis). “In reality, we have known about this virus since 2001, framed by virologist Marc Van Ranst (UZ Leuven). This virus involves classic respiratory symptoms: cough, sore throat, fever. And concerns equally classic target groups, such as the elderly, young children or people who suffer from other chronic illnesses (asthma, lung or heart pathologies).”
In fact, HMPV is also present in Belgium every year. «It is one of the viruses regularly present during the winter season. Normally, the risk of a spread similar to Covid is low. Except in the case where another variant of this virus emerges in Chinaanalyzes Marc Van Ranst. At the moment, data on this possibility are lacking. Like other respiratory viruses, HMPV mutates every year.”
In fact, we have known about this virus since 2001.
It is not even certain that the situation in China is as exceptional as it appears on social networks. “A priori, only the provinces located in the north of the country are concerned,” notes the virologist. Nothing abnormal in this, since China is also experiencing its winter season which is conducive to the spread of respiratory viruses.”
HMPV: no vaccine, but our immune defenses know it
Vaccines and antivirals for HMPV do not yet exist on the market. They are in the development phase. This lack of treatment therefore does not put this virus on the same footing as the flu or Covid.
“On the other hand, given that the human metapneumovirus has been circulating for many years, the population has developed numerous antibodies. This is nothing new for our immune defenses,” notes Marc Van Ranst.
No concern for international public health
“This virus is a cream pie,” says infectious disease specialist Yves Van Laethem, president of the Superior Health Council (CSS). It is quite ordinary and has never been the subject of any particular concern. concerning potential dangerous mutations, he reassures. The infection causes breathing difficulties, most of them mild, especially in children. There is therefore no indication that this virus is problematic for international public health. Somehow, it’s non-news.”
There is no indication that this virus is problematic for international public health.
HMPV causes concern here and there because it is prevalent in China, a land conducive to problematic viral infections that have created pandemics. “The influenza virus and of course Covid were born there for the reasons we know: dense population, proximity to animals, which are amplifiers,” recalls Yves Van Laethem. The fact that China never quickly told us the whole truth about Covid reinforces the wave of fake news.»
China, giant pot of viruses
However, the Asian country remains effectively one of the most potentially predictable hotbeds for the outbreak of pandemics. “The pot in which we make the magic potion of viruses is more important in China than in other countries,” smiles Van Laethem. After Covid, he recalls, a similar alert emanating from China ultimately turned out to be a mycoplasma pneumoniae. The presence of this parasitic bacteria had been greatly reduced with the wearing of masks and successive confinements.
What about the supposedly crowded hospitals, then? “Whether these images are true or not, it doesn’t matter. We know that hospitals are full during each winter season. This seems clear: the HMPV is not likely to fine us.
