Is Europe Threatened by a Metapneumovirus Pandemic? Reaction of the European Commission.

The official representative of the European Commission, Eva Grncyrova, stated that there is no threat of the spread of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in the form of a pandemic in the EU. She also added that there is currently no need to prepare for a new pandemic. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will continue to monitor the situation and track it over the coming weeks.

The start of the hMPV epidemic in China was recorded at the end of 2024 and continues to this day. ECDC believes that the situation in China is a seasonal increase in respiratory infections caused by common respiratory pathogens, and does not raise particular concerns in the EU.

Symptoms of hMPV are similar to those of a cold or flu, and it is one of many viruses that are often included in the definition of 'common cold'. The increase in cases is likely related to new technology that allows for easier detection and identification of viruses in China.

Human metapneumovirus regularly circulates in the EU during the cold months. Currently, there is an increased activity of respiratory viruses, including influenza, without unusual or unexpected patterns for this Time of year.