Increase in respiratory diseases (hMPV)

There were 327 cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections in 2024, up from 225 in 2023.

This indicates a significant rise in respiratory tract infections caused by this virus from the Pneumoviridae family.

The Health Ministry stated that hMPV was not a novel disease and did not require notice under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act of 1988.

However, it warned the public to remain careful because respiratory diseases were predicted to continue in the community.

“The rise in acute respiratory infections toward the end of the year and into the next is consistent with global trends, particularly in colder climates, such as China.”

To prevent the spread of such infections, people should practice proper hygiene, which includes frequent hand washing, covering their mouths while coughing, and wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed areas.

We recommend these steps for high-risk individuals.

Those who experience persistent or worsening symptoms should seek medical assistance.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring respiratory illnesses such as hMPV, Covid-19, and influenza on a domestic and international scale in order to improve readiness and undertake control measures.

Regarding Covid-19, the ministry reported a considerable improvement in 2024, with instances dropping by 50.4% from 202,962 in 2023 to 100,666.

Deaths also declined substantially, from 441 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.

There have been no new Covid-19-related deaths recorded since April 25 of last year, and the prevalent strain is

still the Omicron variety and its subvariants.

Concerns regarding hMPV have grown worldwide, particularly in China, where there has been an in

crease in cases among children under the age of 14, particularly in the northern provinces.

China’s disease control authorities are testing a surveillance system for pneumonia of unknown origin in anticipation of more respiratory ailments this winter.

Images of masked people packing hospitals in China have appeared online, raising concerns about the virus’s spread.

Recent data from China shows an increase in hMPV and other respiratory viruses, such as rhinoviruses.