China is experiencing a rise in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, a common respiratory virus that poses greater risks to children and the elderly. Other countries, including Vietnam and India, are monitoring its spread, while Malaysia reported a 45% increase in cases in 2024 compared to 2023. Experts note that while the surge is concerning, HMPV is not a new virus and is unlikely to cause a pandemic on the scale of COVID-19.
How should healthcare systems prepare for HMPV surges while avoiding unnecessary alarm?
Hear from Prof Hsu Li Yang as he highlights that HMPV’s rise in China remains within expected seasonal patterns and explains its limited potential for a large-scale outbreak.