Metapneumovirus: A new threat or just seasonal illness in Uzbekistan?

Social media reports have been circulating about the spread of metapneumovirus infection in several countries, with some claiming that this disease is even more dangerous than COVID-19. The Ministry of Health has officially addressed the situation.

It was noted that cases of infection with this virus are recorded annually in all regions of the world. Metapneumovirus is more active during the autumn-winter period. The infection typically presents as a runny nose, cough, and fever, resembling acute respiratory viral infections. In some cases, it can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Treatment is usually symptomatic, primarily using home remedies to ease the patient's condition. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or hospitalization may be required. Most individuals infected with metapneumovirus recover without complications.

Uzbekistan is also currently experiencing a seasonal increase in acute respiratory infections. Laboratory tests conducted in the country have shown that 39.9% of such tests revealed the influenza virus, 32.2% rhinovirus, 30.6% respiratory syncytial virus, and 1.2% metapneumovirus.

“During this period of increased acute respiratory diseases, we urge the population to adhere to preventive measures and limit contact with people in crowded places, especially those showing obvious symptoms of the disease,” the ministry stated.

According to the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee, metapneumovirus was first detected in 2001. The latest laboratory analysis of these respiratory infections revealed that 36.9% tested positive for the influenza virus, 30.2% for rhinovirus, 28.6% for respiratory syncytial virus, 1.2% for metapneumovirus, and 3.1% for other viruses.

It should be noted that earlier, Chinese doctors observed the spread of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in the country. The Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan reported that 30 people in the country had been infected with the virus spreading in China. The Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision in Kazakhstan clarified that since the beginning of the epidemic season, 8,360 samples have been tested for viruses other than influenza in the country.