Goyang-si Reports Global Spread of Human Metapneumovirus... Urges Compliance with Prevention Guidelines

Emphasizing Handwashing, Cough Etiquette, and Mask-Wearing When Experiencing Respiratory Symptoms

The Public Health Center of Goyang Special City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) emphasized adherence to preventive measures such as handwashing, cough etiquette, and wearing masks when respiratory symptoms occur to prevent infection by the globally common virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

According to Goyang Special City on the 10th, Human Metapneumovirus, which has recently been reported to be increasing abroad, is a virus that circulates annually at a certain level among children and the elderly, accounting for 2-3% of respiratory infections in children under 5 years old.

Human Metapneumovirus spreads through direct transmission via respiratory droplets and indirect transmission through contact with secretions from infected individuals or contaminated objects. Upon infection, symptoms similar to the common cold such as fever, cough, sputum, runny nose, and nasal congestion appear, and in severe cases, it can cause lower respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Treatment involves symptomatic care such as antipyretics and fluid therapy.

Although some countries have confirmed an increase in the detection rate of Human Metapneumovirus pathogens, no significant unusual trends have been observed.

In China, during a press conference held by the National Disease Control Agency on December 27, the surveillance results of acute respiratory infections and the forecast for winter infectious disease outbreaks were mentioned, sharing that while influenza and Mycoplasma infections are prevalent, Human Metapneumovirus infections are increasing among those aged 14 and under. This year, infections in China are predicted to circulate at a lower level than usual.

A Public Health Center official stated, “In the current situation where influenza is widely spreading, following respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections are also increasing, requiring continuous caution,” and urged, “Please practice basic respiratory infection prevention measures such as washing hands before and after going out, practicing cough etiquette, wearing masks when respiratory symptoms occur, and ventilating indoor spaces for more than 10 minutes every 2 hours.”