Abstract: Human Metapneumovirus HMPV, a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, has rapidly emerged as a global public health concern, particularly affecting young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Following the devastating COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, recent reports of rising HMPV cases toward the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 have raised renewed apprehension worldwide. HMPV infection typically presents with non-specific respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia. Globally, this virus has shown seasonal trends with significant variability in infection rates. A total of 327 cases were reported in Malaysia in 2024 a 45% rise from 2023, while Kazakhstan recorded 30 positive cases from 8,360 tests; the United Kingdom reported a 4.5% infection rate, and China detected a 6.2% positivity rate from December 2023 to December 2024. As of February 4, 2025, India has documented 59 confirmed cases across states such as Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, including two deaths in individuals with pre-existing conditions. National and international health agencies have emphasized the importance of surveillance, early recognition, and adoption of preventive strategies such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and social distancing. Considering the potential risks posed by the pathogen, it is crucial to implement coordinated measures involving governmental authorities, healthcare professionals, and the public for effective control, containment, and early treatment of this increasingly relevant respiratory virus.
Kumar et al. (2026) studied this question.