Concerns are growing over the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), especially in countries like China, where a rising number of cases have been reported.
For travel advisors and those with trips booked to destinations like China or Southeast Asia, it’s important to understand what this virus is, how it spreads, and whether it poses any significant risk to travellers.
What is HMPV?
First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV is a respiratory virus similar to the flu. Symptoms often resemble a common cold, including a cough, fever, and nasal congestion. However, in more severe cases—particularly for young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems—HMPV can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. The virus spreads primarily through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.
While there has been a noticeable uptick in cases in several Asian countries, including China, health experts have reassured the public that this is not cause for alarm. HMPV is a seasonal virus that tends to thrive during the colder months when more people are spending time indoors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is circulating at typical levels for this time of year, and the hospitalisation rate is not higher than usual.
The situation in China and Southeast Asia
In response to the rise in cases, countries like Indonesia have stepped up measures to monitor travellers from China and Malaysia, two of the countries most affected by the outbreak. In Bali, for instance, passengers from these countries are required to complete health declaration forms before arrival, and those with a fever will be subject to additional testing.
Despite these precautions, Indonesian health officials have stressed that HMPV is not a deadly virus and that the increased cases are in line with typical seasonal patterns. Similarly, Malaysia has reported a rise in cases but reiterated that the virus is not new and has been circulating globally since 2001. The Malaysian Health Ministry has urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasising basic hygiene practices such as handwashing and wearing face masks to limit the spread.
What does this mean for travellers?
For those planning to visit China or nearby regions affected by the rise in HMPV cases, the advice remains largely the same as it would for any respiratory virus: practice good hygiene, stay informed, and avoid crowded or enclosed spaces when possible. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any specific travel warnings related to HMPV, and travel restrictions are not in place.
As health authorities globally continue to monitor the situation, it’s important to stay up to date with any changes in travel advice, but there’s no need to panic. The rise in cases appears to be in line with the typical seasonal surge of respiratory illnesses.
For travel advisors, this could be a good opportunity to remind clients about basic health precautions during their travels—particularly during the colder months when viruses like HMPV tend to spread more easily. While it’s always best to be cautious, the current situation does not indicate a global threat on the scale of previous pandemics.
In short, there’s no need to worry about HMPV, but as with any virus, a little precaution goes a long way in keeping travellers safe.