BANGKOK, Thailand – The government has confirmed that there is no outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) in Thailand, addressing concerns about recent reports of the virus in China. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachan reported that the Ministry of Public Health has instructed the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to monitor the situation closely and maintain public health measures.
hMPV is a long-known respiratory virus unrelated to COVID-19. It occurs year-round, with higher incidences during the rainy season and winter. Symptoms include fever, cough, and nasal congestion, with severe cases potentially leading to pneumonia or asthma exacerbation. There is currently no antiviral treatment for hMPV, and individuals with persistent symptoms or breathing difficulties are encouraged to seek medical attention promptly.
Surveillance data from 2024, gathered by the DDC and hospital networks, shows that hMPV was detected at substantially lower rates than other respiratory pathogens. The most affected groups were children under five years old (35.71%), adults aged 50 to 59 years (16.67%), and those aged 30 to 39 years (11.90%). No widespread cases have been reported in Thailand.
Preventive measures include regular handwashing, avoiding face-touching with unwashed hands, wearing masks in crowded areas, and staying home if unwell. Officials have urged the public to rely only on updates from trusted sources and avoid misinformation on social media. For inquiries, the Department of Disease Control hotline is available at 1422. (NNT)
