PETALING JAYA: There is no need to be too concerned over the recent rise in respiratory infections and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases seen overseas, say health experts.
They also say the surge is normal in temperate countries during the winter season.
Consultant clinical microbiologist Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi said the situation in China reflects a seasonal rise in respiratory infections caused by common respiratory pathogens.
“In my opinion, it does not pose any specific concerns for Malaysia,” said Zamberi who is attached with Universiti Putra Malaysia.
On the difference between HMPV and Covid-19 infections, Zamberi said the former is seasonal with a more limited public health impact.
He said HMPV can affect all age groups and usually causes mild to moderate respiratory illness.
“But sometimes, the infection can be severe in young children, older adults and immunocompromised individuals,” he said.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said HMPV is not easily diagnosed, adding that there are no home or mobile test kits like seen with Covid-19.
The professor of Public Health Medicine at UKM’s Faculty of Medicine stressed the need for acute respiratory infection surveillance.
“We need to strengthen surveillance during large congregations like when Malaysia chairs Asean this year and holds Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” she said.
Last week, the Health Ministry said they are closely monitoring the expected rise in year-end respiratory infections.
The ministry said this includes monitoring bacterial and virus infections which could result in Covid-19, influenza and other respiratory infections.
The Health Ministry’s statement comes in the wake of concerns over the possibility of a new HMPV variant emerging.
