HMPV has spread, according to a new WHO alert. The warning tells countries to stay alert because the virus still affects people worldwide. HMPV is often misdiagnosed as the flu. These diseases are becoming more common and severe, especially in colder climates. According to WHO, the virus mainly causes mild cold-like symptoms but can cause severe respiratory issues in young children, older individuals, and persons with weak immune systems. Health experts claim HMPV has been identified in over 60 countries since January 2025. There have been many more cases in Europe, North America, and some parts of Asia.
The WHO warns that respiratory droplets spread the infection quickly, making busy settings risky for sick people. HMPV symptoms resemble flu and COVID-19, say experts. This makes it harder to identify and separate cases rapidly. People are worried about this overlapping of symptoms, especially since winter is getting worse, making it easier for multiple lung viruses to spread simultaneously. The group stresses how important it is for health centers to do more testing and be more alert, especially in places where respiratory illnesses are common during certain times of the year.
The WHO has urged countries worldwide to take decisive steps to protect public health. These steps include finding contacts, putting confirmed cases in quarantine, and teaching people about good hygiene habits like washing their hands often and wearing masks in public places. There isn’t a vaccine for HMPV yet, but the group has called for more studies into making vaccines and finding other ways to treat the disease. WHO officials stress the importance of monitoring and reporting systems working well to stop large-scale outbreaks.
The WHO has said that most people who get HMPV get better without going to the hospital, even though there isn’t a vaccine yet. However, more children and older people are being admitted to the hospital with respiratory problems because of the virus. Health experts are still keeping a close eye on the virus and telling healthcare workers to put early discovery and treatment at the top of their list, especially for people who are at high risk.
The WHO’s warning is still a meaningful way to keep the virus from hurting people worldwide as it spreads to new areas.
