TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Dr. Li Shang-chien, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Landseed International Hospital, warned on Thursday (April 18), of a potential outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV). The warning comes in response to recent cases of persistent high fever.
Dr. Li explained that hMPV is a globally prevalent virus, particularly common in winter and early spring. Its clinical manifestations can range from bronchitis infection or worsening asthma to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
The incubation period for hMPV is approximately five to six days, and it can be transmitted through droplets and direct and indirect contact. The virus shares a similar transmission season with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, raising the possibility of co-infection.
Dr. Li noted that everyone from children to the elderly could be infected and require hospitalization. Common symptoms in children include coughing, runny nose, wheezing, hoarseness, and fever. The most common reasons for hospitalization in children are acute bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
In adults, clinical presentations are often coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and hoarseness. Fever is less common in adults compared to children. Difficulty breathing and wheezing are common in elderly patients, while hoarseness is often seen in younger individuals.
Dr. Li emphasized that frequent hand washing and personal hygiene are the only ways to prevent hMPV infection.