Situation update on 6 January 2025
Human Metapneumovirus
Currently, there is a lot of attention on an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV, HMP virus) in China. The virus currently causes severe symptoms such as respiratory tract inflammations.
Anyone can contract hMPV, which usually results in mild cold-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and a stuffy nose. The virus is related to the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and particularly young children (under 2 years) and people with weakened immune systems can sometimes experience severe symptoms from this pathogen. They often suffer from respiratory tract inflammation, although it is usually not as severe as with the RSV.
In the Netherlands, we are not currently seeing an outbreak of hMPV. Each winter, we observe a peak, which was also seen last year. In recent weeks, general practitioners have reported hMPV only sporadically.
Together with the research institute Nivel, the RIVM monitors hMPV in people who visit the GP with an acute respiratory infection. The RIVM also monitors through Infectieradar.nl (via self-sampling) how many patients with acute respiratory symptoms have hMPV. Additionally, microbiological laboratories (virological weekly reports) monitor this virus.
What to do if you have symptoms
To protect people who are more at risk if they get a respiratory infection, the following recommendations are still important if you have symptoms:
- Are you ill? Then stay home.
- If you are not ill, but do have symptoms, then work from home if you can. Consult your employer if necessary.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Keep your distance from others.
- Avoid contact with people who could become seriously ill from a respiratory infection.
- Impossible to avoid contact (for example because you provide informal care)? Wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose.
Good hygiene helps to limit the spread of infections and can help keep you from getting infected. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and ventilate indoor spaces.