Olga Golubovska and the Center for Public Health about metapneumovirus in Ukraine: what everyone needs to know
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is attracting more and more attention due to the increasing number of reports of new cases of the disease detected in different countries of the world. After recent outbreaks in China and Kazakhstan, it has also caused concern in Ukraine, where 13 confirmed cases have been officially recorded so far. This was reported by the Center for Public Health of Ukraine and Honored Doctor Olga Golubovska. She cautions that the actual number of infections is likely higher because the virus circulates annually within the epidemic season.
Olga Golubovska, commenting on the situation, informed Facebook, that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus was discovered in 2001 and can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tract. It is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. Antibodies to HMPV are detected in almost 100% of the adult population, and in children under 10 years of age, seropositivity also reaches almost 100%, which indicates the prevalence of this virus.
Currently, 13 confirmed cases of HMPV have been officially registered in Ukraine, however, as Golubovska notes, the real number may be much higher. Infection occurs through droplets, and the disease can recur throughout life. In most cases, the disease has a mild course with symptoms similar to a cold: runny nose, cough, fever. However, in patients with weakened immunity, after transplantation or in the presence of chronic diseases, the development of a severe form of the disease, including fulminant (rapidly progressing) respiratory failure, is possible.
The incubation period of metapneumovirus is 3 to 6 days, and the duration of the disease usually varies from 7 to 10 days, depending on its severity. The virus is most active in late winter and spring. X-ray manifestations of HMPV are usually nonspecific: “ground glass,” atelectasis, hyperinflated lungs, or bilateral consolidation.
Golubovska draws attention to the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic caused changes in the immune landscape, which became a favorable ground for the adaptation of many viruses, including HMPV. Prolonged lockdowns, restrictions on social contacts and reduced exposure to airborne pathogens have weakened local immunity. According to the doctor, this is one of the reasons for the increase in the frequency of respiratory infections.
As for treatment, inhaled ribavirin is sometimes used in critically ill patients, although its effectiveness is empirical due to a lack of clinical data. This form of ribavirin is not registered in Ukraine, and the tablet version is ineffective in such cases.
For prevention, Golubovska recommends avoiding contact with sick people, following hygiene rules, regularly ventilating the premises and performing wet cleaning. An important factor is also reducing the dose of the virus, which can affect the severity of the disease. She emphasizes the need to maintain overall health, including controlling levels of vitamin D, which is an important immune system hormone.
The doctor urges her colleagues not to delay hospitalization if the patient’s condition worsens daily, and to assess the severity of the disease not only by temperature, but also by the general condition of the patient. According to her, co-infections can be a trigger for severe forms of the disease, so the use of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs may be appropriate.
Golubovska stresses that time is critical in treatment and emphasizes the importance of timely testing for HMPV, especially in hospitalized and at-risk patients. She urges the public not to panic, but to be attentive to their health and the health of their loved ones.
At the same time, the Center for Public Health declaresthat the situation with metapneumovirus in Ukraine is routine and fully controlled. HMPV is a virus that traditionally circulates every year. Its symptoms are usually similar to a cold or mild forms of the flu, and only in exceptional cases cause complications. At the same time, CGZ emphasizes the importance of information hygiene and calls to trust only official sources.
As preventive measures, it is recommended to avoid contact with sick people, regularly wash your hands, ventilate the room, carry out wet cleaning and observe cough etiquette (cover your mouth with a napkin or elbow).
The Public Health Center emphasizes that the metapneumovirus is not new to Ukraine, and its spread occurs within the usual epidemic season. According to experts, the situation remains under control, and the risk to the general population is minimal, provided basic preventive measures are followed.
