Czech epidemiologists calm fears about new virus outbreak from China

Domestic health experts are reassuring the public that a recent surge in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in several Asian countries, including China, does not pose a significant threat to Europe or Czechia.

The virus, which typically causes mild respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, rash, and fever, has seen an uptick in cases in China, India, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. Some Chinese authorities have reintroduced mask mandates, for example.

Epidemiologist and former presidential health adviser Roman Prymula emphasized that HMPV is not a new or highly dangerous pathogen. “This is a virus that has been around for almost 25 years. Its course is significantly milder. It generally causes common respiratory diseases and only in a minimal percentage of cases does it cause pneumonia,” Prymula told media outlet CNN Prima NEWS.

Virologist Jiří Černý echoed this sentiment, noting that HMPV has stable seasonal cycles and accounts for around 10 percent of respiratory infections annually. “We are relatively well adapted to it—most of us become infected at an early age, and during adulthood, the infections are not as dramatic,” Černý explained.

While young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk of severe illness, most cases are mild. Experts also highlighted that the rise in HMPV cases aligns with typical winter trends for respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Paul Hunter, a microbiologist at the University of East Anglia, underscored the virus's prevalence. “Almost every child will have been infected at least once by their fifth birthday,” he said, according to Science Media Center.

In Czechia, the virus has not shown signs of increased activity beyond its usual patterns. “If we conducted studies here, I am sure we would also find it to a degree similar to previous years,” Černý added.

Currently, there is no vaccine for HMPV, though research is ongoing to develop one. 

Earlier this week, the State Institute of Public Health (SZÚ) raised concerns that Czechia could be on the brink of a flu epidemic. Influenza has become the predominant cause of respiratory illnesses in the country. 

During the holiday period, reported flu cases decreased to 831 per 100,000 people, largely due to fewer doctor visits. Health experts are advising the public to take precautions, emphasizing the importance of vaccination—especially for vulnerable groups—and maintaining good respiratory hygiene.