As respiratory infections peak during winter in the Northern Hemisphere, concerns over human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China have sparked alarm. However, experts confirm these trends follow typical seasonal patterns.
The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), addressing growing public concern over hMPV, clarified during a press conference on Wednesday (8) that the situation does not warrant alarm. The Association emphasised that hMPV, like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is a seasonal infection that can cause mild to severe cold-like symptoms commonly observed during colder months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Senior Prof. Neelika Malavige
Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama
Speaking at the press conference, Senior Prof. Neelika Malavige said that unnecessary fear had been created by the media, especially social media regarding hMPV. “This virus has been present worldwide for the past 20 years and surges during the winter months. While Sri Lanka lacks a cold season, hMPV emerges here in December and January. It’s nothing new or out of the ordinary, and there is no need to panic,” she said, comparing the infection to influenza and other respiratory illnesses that emerge in colder months.
Cases detected in Kandy
Prof. Malavige added that hMPV entered Sri Lanka in 2023 and was even sequenced by December of that year. “Several hMPV infections were detected in Kandy in 2024 by virologist Dr. Atheeka Akram, so it’s nothing new in Sri Lanka or the world,” she added.
The latest World Health Organization data from China showed that the majority of respiratory infections have been caused by the influenza virus and not by hMPV.
Most patients with hMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to a cold.
These may include a cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat and fever. Symptoms can be severe for young children, the elderly and those with weak immunities, potentially requiring hospitalisation.
“This virus is nothing to fear; it is seasonal,” Prof. Malavige said, adding that a vaccine hasn’t been developed for hMPV because there is no significant danger from the infection.
Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that the majority of outpatients are those with respiratory infections. “Most infections do not become severe for healthy individuals, although they can be dangerous for those with weaker immunity,” he said.
Respiratory infections spread via droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. “Precautions include avoiding large crowds or wearing a surgical mask if you have symptoms to prevent spreading. It’s also important to cover the face when coughing or sneezing. These are essential habits to teach our children,” he further said.
Misinformation on social media
When asked if sensational news had caused a surge in individuals internalising symptoms, Dr. Wijewickrama said fortunately, people are not coming to hospitals with psychosomatic ailments. However, it’s important to note that there are individuals who internalise ailments due to misinformation spread on social media regarding Covid.
“Our hospitals encountered individuals who believed they had certain ailments due to Covid-19 pandemic or the side effects of the vaccine, but there were many other factors contributing to their conditions. For example, some said that paralysis due to the Covid vaccine despite being vaccinated a long time ago. They often do not accept that not taking medication on time or smoking contributed to their plight.
Many factors contribute to patients with high blood pressure, heart disease and respiratory infections, but they generally blame Covid-19 and the vaccine. Misinformation on social media is contributing to people dismissing medical advice and becoming more sick.”
The SLMA urged the public to rely on credible information, practice preventive measures and avoid undue panic over seasonal illnesses such as hMPV.
