KUCHING: The likelihood of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causing a pandemic is very low, in contrast to COVID-19, which emerged as a new virus in 2019, said Public Health Physician Associate Professor Dr. Helmy Hazmi.
He said that the hMPV is not a new virus and has long existed, typically causing mild symptoms such as the common cold.
“This virus is not something new like COVID-19, so there is no concept of it spreading to Malaysia. It is a relatively common virus.
“In fact, some of us may have been exposed to this virus as children, resulting in mild cold symptoms,” he said when contacted.
He was commenting on reports of increasing hPMV cases in several Asian countries, particularly China, which have raised concerns about the virus’s potential to trigger a pandemic like COVID-19.
However, Dr Helmy emphasised that hPMV does not exhibit the characteristics or capabilities to pose a global threat.
“It is a seasonal virus that often sees an increase in cases in temperate countries during winter through early spring. Its nature is significantly different from viruses like Influenza A or SARS-CoV-2.
“For instance, Influenza A frequently undergoes genetic mutations that can lead to epidemics or pandemics, whereas hMPV has a stable genetic pattern.
“Additionally, hMPV is not known to have animal reservoirs, a key characteristic of viruses with pandemic potential,” he explained.
He further said that natural immunity factors also act as a barrier to pandemic risks since many individuals may have already been exposed to the virus during childhood.
“Unlike COVID-19, which was unfamiliar and impacted the entire world, HPMV does not demonstrate the ability to spread on a large scale.
“Unless there is a significant mutation that increases its transmissibility or its ability to evade the immune system, the risk of an HMPV pandemic remains very low,” he added.
Although the risk of a pandemic is low, he stressed that preventive measures remain relevant, especially for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
He explained that basic hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, wearing face masks when symptomatic, and avoiding crowded places are the best measures to prevent infections.
“We only need to be prepared, but there is no need to worry excessively. The public should remain calm and not easily influenced by unverified information.
“Basic steps such as avoiding the 3Cs (Crowded places, Close-contact settings, Confined spaces) and practicing the 3Ws (Wash hands, Wear masks, Warn others) are sufficient to protect oneself,” Dr Helmy said.
