New infection in Ukraine: Is the metapneumovirus from China more dangerous than COVID-19?

Five years ago, the world was stunned by news from China about a new, highly dangerous virus, which soon became a reality in almost every country — COVID-19 spread rapidly. Now, as we enter 2025, alarming news is coming from China again — a new outbreak of a virus that may be more dangerous than the coronavirus. This is about human metapneumovirus (HMPV), whose symptoms resemble those of flu and COVID-19 and spreads through respiratory droplets.

Just a few days after the news from China, epidemiologist Olga Golubovskaya stated that Ukraine has officially registered 13 cases of metapneumovirus infection.

Metapneumovirus: A New Threat to Ukraine?

According to the doctor, metapneumovirus is transmitted through respiratory droplets, with an incubation period of 3 to 6 days. The illness typically lasts up to 10 days and usually presents in two forms:

• Light form: runny nose, cough.
• Severe form: can lead to severe respiratory failure.

Golubovskaya notes that the peak activity of the virus occurs in late winter and spring. Diagnosis confirmation requires testing, and radiological changes in the lungs may show signs such as "ground-glass opacities," atelectasis, and hyperinflation.

The specialist emphasizes that there is no need to panic, but it is crucial to act promptly and strictly follow medical recommendations. Among the key advice:

• Limit contact with infected individuals;
• Wash hands regularly;
• Ventilate rooms;
• Avoid large gatherings;
• Pay special attention to at-risk individuals, who should manage chronic conditions and take vitamins, particularly vitamin D, under a doctor's advice.

At the first signs of symptoms (runny nose, cough, shortness of breath), Golubovskaya advises to immediately seek medical attention. If the condition worsens, patients should not delay hospitalization.

"I urge doctors — do not hesitate to admit patients if their condition deteriorates. The severity of the illness is assessed not only by temperature but by the overall condition of the patient, especially among at-risk groups," emphasized Golubovskaya.

According to her, co-infections caused by other viruses or bacteria can complicate the course of the illness. In such cases, the use of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies may be justified.

Is the New Metapneumovirus Already in Ukraine?

"As for PCR testing, there are currently no such tests in Ukraine. The PCR equipment that remained after COVID-19 is available, but the reagents necessary to confirm this specific virus are still lacking. The reagents can only be ordered from Europe, China, or the USA, but they have not arrived yet. Therefore, we cannot assert that the detected virus is the same as the one spreading in China," says the doctor.

According to Zhiravetsky, metapneumovirus is not new and has been known since 2001. It is one of the subtypes of acute respiratory viral infection, similar to avian influenza. Moderna is already working on an RNA vaccine that is in the early stages of development.

"This illness is hardest on individuals with chronic conditions: allergies, diabetes, metabolic syndrome. In such cases, complications like pneumonia can arise. However, there is no reason to claim that this is something that will overwhelmingly burden hospitals," the doctor continues.

Currently, hospitals in China are overwhelmed due to a resurgence of infections following COVID-19. If the situation worsens, a global vaccination campaign may be initiated, but it should not be asserted that this virus from China is already in Ukraine since there is no capacity to conduct the necessary tests. And how did these 13 cases arise, Zhiravetsky questions, as doctors needed to specifically check these patients and order the appropriate reagents.

"It seems that the media and pharmaceutical companies are exaggerating the situation, causing panic among people and leading them to stockpile medicines and vitamins. It is essential to remain calm and adopt a rational approach," notes the doctor.

Metapneumovirus: What Is It?

Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and affects the respiratory tract. This virus was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, but it is believed to have circulated among people for decades.

The main characteristics of the virus:

Transmission: The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets via coughing, sneezing, or close contact with infected individuals.

Incubation Period: Usually lasts from 3 to 6 days.

Symptoms of Metapneumovirus: They resemble those of other respiratory viruses, such as flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and include:

• Runny nose;
• Cough;
• Shortness of breath;
• Fever;
• In severe cases — respiratory failure.

Who Is at Risk?

• Children under 5 years: especially newborns and infants;
• Older adults: over 65 years;
• Individuals with weakened immune systems: people with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, heart disease) or those undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system (chemotherapy, organ transplantation).

What Are the Dangers?

Metapneumovirus can cause both mild symptoms and severe illnesses, including bronchitis, pneumonia, or exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. In severe cases, patients may require hospitalization.

How Is the Infection Diagnosed?

The diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests such as PCR analysis to detect viral RNA or serological tests to identify antibodies.

Is There a Treatment?

There is no specific treatment for metapneumovirus. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms:

• Antipyretics to reduce fever;
• Humidifying the air and ensuring adequate fluid intake;
• In severe cases, oxygen therapy may be required.

How to Protect Yourself?

Although there is currently no vaccine against metapneumovirus, preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection:

• Regular handwashing;
• Ventilating rooms;
• Wearing masks in crowded places;
• Avoiding contact with sick individuals.

It is important to monitor your health, especially during the season of increased respiratory infection activity, and to consult a doctor if symptoms appear.

Later, it became known that metapneumovirus has already been detected in Kazakhstan. The local government reported 30 cases, and the Ministry of Health states that this virus is "classic" for the epidemic season.