After reports that hospitals in China are seeing a spike in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), people online are wondering about the origin of the virus. 

Some posts online suggest that HMPV is a new virus. “Five years since Covid-19, China is again reporting a new virus. Eerily similar to COVID, a new virus called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading rapidly in China according to reports,” one post says. 

VERIFY reader Bob reached out via text to ask if HMPV is a new virus. 

Is Human Metapneumovirus a new virus?

No, Human Metapneumovirus is not a new virus. 

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not new. The respiratory virus was first identified in 2001, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

HMPV is considered to be part of the Pneumoviridae viral family, which is the same group Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is associated with, a Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security report says. 

Although the virus was initially detected by researchers in the Netherlands in 2001, studies have found that HMPV has been circulating potentially for decades prior, according to a peer-reviewed review of the virus’ history and behavior published in F1000.

“HMPV is common — most people get it before they turn 5,” Cleveland Clinic says.

Symptoms of HMPV infection include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath or rash, according to Cleveland Clinic. Serious complications can include pneumonia, bronchiolitis or bronchitis. 

Children, adults over the age of 65 and people with breathing problems or weaker immune systems are most at risk for severe symptoms, Cleveland Clinic adds. Part of this is due to the fact that HMPV symptoms are worse during a first time infection. 

HMPV can be spread between people through droplets from sneezing and coughing, or close other contact with someone infected or surfaces they have touched, according to the CDC. 

HMPV is most active during late winter and spring. The CDC tracks cases through its National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System. Although HMPV cases are on the rise in the United States, they are significantly lower than other respiratory viruses currently spreading, like RSV or COVID-19. 

“No standard treatment for metapneumovirus exists beyond supportive care,” a Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security report says. But “at least 2 combination HMPV vaccines are undergoing clinical testing,” the report added.

If you suspect you may have HMPV, healthcare providers are able to test for the virus, however, “you probably won’t be tested for HMPV unless you have serious symptoms,” Cleveland Clinic says. 

Many cases of HMPV go away on their own after 2-5 days, but the American Lung Association says over-the-counter medications may be used to ease symptoms.  If symptoms worsen or persist, experts recommend visiting a healthcare provider for more intense symptom treatment. 

In a press conference last week, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, addressed concerns about a rise in respiratory illnesses in the country, stating, “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.” 

“The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared with the previous year. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China,” Ning added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also released a statement addressing the concerns. 

“The observed increase in respiratory pathogen detections is within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern hemisphere winter. In China, influenza is the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen currently affecting people with acute respiratory infections. WHO is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns,” WHO said.