Half a decade after the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit has heightened surveillance at airports amid growing concerns about a virus outbreak in China, suspected to be a new variant of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Consultant Epidemiologist Dr. P.C.S. Perera confirmed that the ministry’s Quarantine Unit is actively monitoring airports and analyzing influenza samples.
“We are currently testing for metapneumovirus,” he said, noting that the Medical Research Institute (MRI) is well-equipped to handle such diagnostics.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Dr. Perera reassured the public that HMPV is not a severe illness and typically causes flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
“This is not a new virus. While we are maintaining vigilance, there is no significant risk of a pandemic at this time,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, foreign media and social media platforms have portrayed a more alarming situation in China, reporting overwhelmed hospitals and crematories. Videos circulating online depict crowded medical facilities, with the surge linked to influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19 cases.
Dr. Perera reiterated that no HMPV-related deaths or severe cases have been reported locally.
“Most of the information we have is based on media reports,” he said, adding that the ministry remains alert and continues its monitoring and testing efforts.
The public is advised to follow basic health guidelines to reduce the risk of infection and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV symptoms range from mild—such as a runny nose and cough—to severe, including wheezing, shortness of breath, bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma exacerbations.
The virus has an estimated incubation period of 3–6 days, with illness lasting similarly to other respiratory infections.
While there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV, the CDC recommends preventive measures, including strict hygiene practices and adherence to the 2007 Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings.
