HMPV - New virus

Question

Does anybody have any update on the new virus in China and possible lockdowns? It has also spread to India and Malaysia, so they say.

Thank you.

Answer

Here’s the latest information about Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and the region — what’s known, what’s uncertain, and how it relates to travel.

What is HMPV?

HMPV is a respiratory virus first discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands.
It causes upper- and lower-respiratory infections, with symptoms often overlapping those of common colds, influenza or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
It is not “new” — it has circulated for decades globally.

Current situation in China and surrounding region:

Chinese health authorities reported a notable rise in respiratory illness in late 2024, and in some northern provinces HMPV was identified as one of the causes. For example, during the week of 16-22 December 2024, HMPV made up about 6.2% of respiratory illness tests and 5.4% of hospitalisations in one report.
China’s neighbours — including India and Malaysia — are monitoring HMPV closely. Malaysia reported 327 confirmed cases in 2024, up from 225 in 2023.
Despite media reports calling it a “new China virus,” major health organisations (including the World Health Organization (WHO)) say that while the increase is real, it does not currently represent a new pandemic threat.
There have been no official broad lockdowns announced in China or other countries as of the latest updates tied solely to HMPV. The situation is being handled under regular respiratory-virus monitoring systems.

Travel and public-health implications:

If you’re travelling to or within China (or adjacent countries), know that HMPV is one of many respiratory viruses circulating — winter 2024/25 has seen higher activity overall.
No special travel bans or lockdowns have been triggered by HMPV alone; travel restrictions are not currently in place specifically for this virus.
Precautionary measures apply: good hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces if you are in a vulnerable group, avoiding travel when ill, and being aware of local health alerts. These are generally useful for all respiratory illnesses.
If you’re at higher risk (young children, older adults, immunocompromised), it’s wise to consider avoiding very large crowds or poorly ventilated indoor settings, especially when local reports indicate high respiratory-illness activity.

Key take-aways for you:

Yes — there is a documented rise in HMPV cases in China and regionally, but it is not emerging as a new, unknown pandemic agent. It’s a known virus with seasonal behavior.
Lockdowns or travel bans specific to HMPV are *not* currently reported. The increase in cases is being handled as part of regular public health surveillance.
Travel planning can continue, but include standard health-precautions. Keep an eye on local health bulletins if you’ll be in China, and adjust your plans if local authorities issue new alerts or advice.

In summary, while the HMPV situation is worth monitoring, it does *not* currently appear to warrant major travel disruption. Proceed with normal planning, take standard health precautions, and stay alert for any official updates during your trip.