At the beginning of 2025, Ukraine began to actively discuss metapneumovirus, an infection that, according to experts, affects almost every child under the age of 5. However, as specialists note, this is by no means a new virus, and even less so one that deserves a sensation.
What is metapneumovirus?
Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that affects the lower respiratory tract, mainly in young children, premature infants, and the elderly. It was first discovered in 2001, although samples of the virus have been found in human serum since the 1950s.
Each year, metapneumovirus causes approximately 16,000 deaths worldwide, mostly among children. However, in Ukraine, it is far from the first place among common infections.
Statistics in Ukraine
According to the Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, as of January 2025, 24 cases of metapneumovirus infection were recorded. This is a small indicator when compared to other respiratory viruses circulating in the country. The head of the National Center for the Study of Respiratory Diseases and Infections, Fedir Lapiy, notes that metapneumovirus occupies only 6–8 places in the ranking of infections.
The media has been spreading information that the metapneumovirus “came from China.” However, experts, including infectious disease specialist Fedir Lapiy, refute these claims. According to him, this myth arose due to the association of China with COVID-19. The message about “overcrowded hospitals” launched an information wave that was used to create sensations.
Experts emphasize: metapneumovirus is not the main threat to the health of Ukrainians. The information noise around it is an attempt to create a new "horror story.".
To protect children, it is recommended to follow basic rules: strengthen immunity, take care of hygiene, and consult a doctor in a timely manner.
