The cases Human post -HMPV (HMPV) They also appeared in Greece a few days ago, caused a “alarm”.
On the same days, images of overcrowded hospitals in China made their appearance, with patients and staff wearing masks, they have awakened memories from the early days of the coronary pandemic.
So the questions remain: What is HMPV, how is it transmitted and how dangerous is it?
These questions are answered by Telemachos Zaimis Curator Metropolitan Hospital
What is HMPV and how is it transmitted?
“Human post -HMPV is a well -known respiratory virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and was first found in 2001 in the Netherlands. Researchers estimate that it has been circulating in the human population for at least six decades, and most people have been infected by the virus at least once until the age of 5. The virus causes mild respiratory symptoms, such as cough and nasal congestion, and is mainly transmitted through droplets and contact with infected surfaces.
Despite its frequency, HMPV remains relatively unknown, as there is no fast and cheap method of diagnosis, such as rapid tests, and is usually confused with other viruses, such as influenza or RSV. Clinically, its course resembles that of common colds and treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, ”he points out.
Increasing cases: Is it a seasonal trend or is there a risk?
“The increase in HMPV cases is to be expected and follows the seasonal tendency of the virus. As with other respiratory viruses, HMPV is observed in waves mainly in winter, when conditions for its transmission are more favorable. Infectious Diseases note that this increased activity is normal and does not indicate a risk of pandemic. According to EDYY data, the circulation of HMPV in the community was high and last year, and culminated in early April 2024, with a significant reduction in late June 2024.
One factor that may explain the increase in cases in China is the strict “Zero-Covid” policy, which had been implemented until recently. During the pandemic and by 2023, Chinese citizens had limited or no contact with other viruses, such as HMPV, which led to a lower immunity to the population and, as a result, more incidence this year.
At the same time, after the Covid-19 pandemic, respiratory diagnosis technologies have evolved significantly and are increasingly accessible. Advanced diagnostic methods, such as the Film Array Test, allow many viruses to be diagnosed at the same time, which has increased HMPV recognition and therefore in more recorded cases, ”the expert explains.
Are we ultimately threatened by a new HMPV pandemic?
‘Although HMPV is frequent and widespread, is not a threat to a global pandemicas it does not mutate at the same rate as the Covid-19 virus and most people already have some immunity due to previous infections. Also, global surveillance and improved diagnostic methods make HMPV monitoring more effective. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Disease Control Center (ECDC) reassure the public, assuring that HMPV does not have the potential to cause a new global crisis. HMPV, therefore, seems not to be the “new Coronovation”, but gives us the opportunity to realize how critical the vigilance and monitoring of international epidemiological data is, so that the health systems can remain on alert for any possibility, “Mr Zaimis concludes.