It is estimated to have been circulating worldwide for more than five decades, with increased transmission during the winter season.
Claudia Villalobos
As with every winter season, the incidence of respiratory infections rises globally. This is due to a combination of environmental and human factors that facilitate the transmission of the pathogens responsible for these diseases, primarily bacteria and viruses.
Among the seasonal viruses that cause infections during winter are the influenza virus, rhinoviruses, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which frequently lead to upper respiratory tract infections.
Following increased HMPV-related respiratory infections in China, concerns arose that this virus could trigger a new pandemic. However, Dr. Jesús Miguel Torres Flores, a scientist at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) and faculty member at the Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first described in 2001 and is estimated to have been circulating for at least 50 years.
Dr. Torres Flores emphasized that the increased circulation of this and other respiratory viruses during winter is "completely normal." He noted that China's high number of infections is unsurprising, as it is also winter there, just as in Mexico. This season naturally sees a surge in respiratory viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
He urged the public to avoid speculation, particularly regarding unscientific claims spread through social media. He explained that HMPV is not routinely diagnosed, so an increase in testing would logically lead to more identified cases of acute respiratory infections. However, this does not mean that there is a new pandemic risk.
Dr. Torres Flores stated that HMPV is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when infected individuals talk, cough, or sneeze. Therefore, he recommended that people follow standard preventive measures for respiratory illnesses, such as frequent handwashing, wearing face masks, and practicing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
He also advised individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms to stay home, as this helps both their recovery and reduces the risk of spreading the virus. If they must go out, he recommended wearing a face mask correctly to prevent transmitting the illness to others.
Everyone has likely experienced colds and viral respiratory infections throughout their lives. Given its widespread circulation, many people may have contracted HMPV without realizing it.
However, Dr. Torres Flores emphasized that this infection can lead to more severe cases in vulnerable populations. "The most susceptible groups include children under five, whose immune systems are still developing; older adults, whose defenses weaken over time; and immunocompromised individuals," he warned.
As the Biosecurity Manager of the Laboratorio Nacional de Vacunología y Virus Tropicales (LNVyVT) at ENCB, Dr. Torres Flores explained that while cold temperatures may enhance the stability of some respiratory viruses, the main factor increasing infection risk is that people spend more time indoors. This heightened indoor contact facilitates the spread of pathogens.
He stressed that most HMPV cases present mild symptoms similar to those of the common cold. However, like infections caused by influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and others, HMPV can develop into pneumonia if left untreated, particularly in high-risk individuals such as young children and older adults.
To minimize complications from viral respiratory infections, it is crucial to seek medical attention at the first signs of illness and to avoid self-medication. A healthcare professional can prescribe appropriate treatments and recovery recommendations tailored to each individual's condition.
Currently, no vaccines or specific antiviral medications exist for treating HMPV. Only symptom-relief medications are available. Dr. Torres Flores reassured the public that this should not be a cause for alarm, as in healthy young adults, HMPV infections usually result in mild cold-like symptoms that resolve within a few days with proper care.
Moreover, he reminded the public that viral circulation naturally increases during the winter season, which should not be a cause for undue concern. Drawing from the experience gained during the COVID-19 pandemic, society should continue practicing appropriate health measures and demonstrating empathy by prioritizing the well-being of others.
INSTITUTO POLITÉCNICO NACIONAL
D.R. Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). Av. Luis Enrique Erro S/N, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Zacatenco, Alcaldía Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07738, Ciudad de México. Conmutador: 55 57 29 60 00 / 55 57 29 63 00.
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