Jakarta – The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China has recently garnered global attention, including in Indonesia. The virus is spreading widely and rapidly, causing a significant surge in cases in northern China.
Currently, there have been no reported cases of HMPV in Indonesia. Nevertheless, the public is advised to maintain health and practice clean and healthy living habits to prevent the transmission of potentially threatening viruses.
“As of now, there are no reports of HMPV cases in Indonesia,” said the spokesperson for Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), Drg. Widyawati, MKM, as quoted in a statement received by detikcom on Saturday (January 4, 2025).
The Indonesian government continues to monitor the development of the HMPV outbreak in China and other countries. Preventive measures include heightened vigilance at the country’s entry points, with health quarantine measures for international travelers showing symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).
Groups Most Vulnerable to HMPV
In a separate interview, epidemiologist Dicky Budiman from Griffith University, Australia, explained that HMPV, which has seen a rise in cases in China, tends to affect groups with low immunity.
“HMPV is prone to infecting individuals with low immunity, such as those under 14 years old and the elderly,” Dicky told detikcom on Sunday (January 6, 2025).
Dicky mentioned that HMPV is not a new virus, and case increases typically occur in December and January, coinciding with the winter season in the northern hemisphere.
He also noted that HMPV is gaining attention due to a significant rise in cases compared to the previous year, attributed to mutations that make the virus easier to spread.
“Genomic examinations show mutations that make this virus more transmissible now,” he explained.
The surge is further fueled by the high volume of people traveling for the New Year and the upcoming Chinese New Year at the end of January.
“This increase is due to dense populations gathering indoors, creating conditions ripe for transmission,” he added.
Previously, northern provinces of China experienced a surge in HMPV cases, particularly among individuals under 14 years old.
According to official statements, there was a rise in acute respiratory disease infections in China during the week of December 16-22, 2024.
