Rise in HMPV cases typical for time of year, but take precautions: MOH

There was a rise in the number of human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, infections in Singapore at the end of 2024, but it was consistent with previous years, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

- Judith Tan

The rise in cases, typically seen during the year end, is likely due to increased social gatherings and holiday travel, it added.

In replying to queries from The Straits Times, an MOH spokesperson said weekly HMPV cases among acute respiratory infection (ARI) samples in the community here were up to between 5.5 per cent and 9 per cent in December 2024, from a range of 0.8 per cent to 9 per cent during other periods in the year.

HMPV is a virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms - such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose and sore throat - which clear on their own in three to six days, but it can lead to more serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in young children, adults aged over 65 and people who are immunocompromised.

Doctors say most people get HMPV before they turn five, so symptoms tend to be more severe in children as they have yet to build immunity against it.

Explaining that HMPV is a commonly circulating respiratory germ, MOH said the infection is "self-limiting", which means it can be resolved spontaneously, with or without specific treatment.