MANILA, Philippines —There is no reason to panic despite the detection in the country of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is now causing a spike in respiratory infections in China, according to infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante.
“This is not something new that we can compare with COVID when the hospitalization rate increased and severe cases were many. The cause (of HMPV) is not like that of COVID,” Solante said in a radio interview yesterday.
Citing results of the Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) surveillance of the Department of Health (DOH), Solante said a few cases of HMPV have already been detected in the country.
But he stressed that HMPV has not caused an increase in hospital admissions nor in the number of patients in intensive care units nationwide.
He explained that China and the United States have good surveillance systems that can easily detect HMPV and other respiratory pathogens that normally increase during this time of the year.
“These kinds of infections are common during winter or during late January or February. This is normal for them (China and US) and they can detect this because of very good surveillance,” Solante noted.
He said cases of HMPV are usually mild and those infected recover from the infection within three to four days. He added that HMPV is difficult to differentiate from other types of viral infection or even bacterial pneumonia.
Those infected with HMPV suffer from cold, cough, sore throat and seldom low-grade fever.
However, he reminded the elderly and those with existing lung defects such as asthma to take the necessary preventive measures for this could aggravate their condition and lead to severe infection and complications.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa yesterday reported that HMPV ranked sixth among the identified causative agents of ILI in the Philippines last year.
Herbosa said from Jan. 1 to Dec. 21, 2024, 284 out of 4,921 or 5.8 percent of positive samples were due to HMPV.
“HMPV is being detected sporadically, with no unusual clustering or pattern, throughout the year,” Herbosa pointed out.
He reminded the public, especially the young, immunocompromised and elderly, to take precautions by frequently washing their hands, avoiding crowded places when possible and eating and drinking properly.
The DOH reported a 17 percent drop in ILI cases from 216,786 in 2023 to 179,227 in 2024, which it attributed to better health-seeking behaviors and practices and better preparations by the health sector.
ILI is characterized by coughs, colds and fever. In the Philippines, it is commonly due to respiratory viruses with Rhinovirus (1,257/4,921 or 25.5 percent of positive samples), Enterovirus (1,140/4,921 or 23.2 percent), Influenza A (1,072/4,921 or 21.8 percent), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (560/4,921 or 11.4 percent) and Adenovirus (527/4,921 or 10.7 percent).
Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur advised Filipinos in Malaysia to stay safe from the HMPV following a reported rise in cases last year.
The embassy said 327 HMPV cases were reported in 2024, higher from the 225 recorded the previous year.
The embassy advised the public to protect themselves and the community by wearing masks and practicing good hygiene.