Metapneumovirus (HMPV), like other respiratory viruses, poses a serious threat to newborn children and the elderly, said Mykhailo Rosada, Director General of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health, during a telethon. He noted that although the virus is not particularly dangerous for the general population, the risk of infection and severe consequences for certain groups of the population, in particular for children in the first year of life and the elderly, remains high.
Risks for vulnerable groups
Rosada explained that, like other viruses such as coronavirus or influenza, the metapneumovirus is particularly dangerous for people with weakened immunity. "Children of the first year of life and the elderly fall into the group of increased risk," he emphasized. In particular, newborns may be more vulnerable to the virus, although he did not describe the threat itself as critical.
Symptoms and ways of spread of the virus
Metapneumovirus causes symptoms similar to a cold or a mild flu: fever, runny nose, sore throat. However, there is an important difference - the metapneumovirus penetrates through the lung tissue, and not only through the upper respiratory tract, which can cause complications in immunocompromised people. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, so protective masks are an effective means of prevention.
Despite the seasonality of the virus, doctors are already prepared for a possible increase in cases of infection with the metapneumovirus, as well as other respiratory infections. According to Mykhailo Rosada, the medical system is equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to fight the virus.
At the time of publication, according to the Ministry of Health, only 14 cases of metapneumovirus were registered in Ukraine, which is 10 fewer cases compared to this time last year. This indicates a low incidence rate, but the virus is still relevant, especially during the winter-spring circulation.
Metapneumovirus, although rarely causing serious complications, can become dangerous for immunocompromised individuals, which increases the importance of timely diagnosis and protection during seasonal outbreaks.
