Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia Health Minister (Kemenkes), Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has clarified that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is neither a new virus nor does it originate from China. The virus has recently drawn attention due to a surge in cases reported in China and recent report about its spread in the country.
“HMPV is not a new virus; it’s an old one. It doesn’t originate from China. If I recall correctly, it comes from another country and was discovered in 2001,” Budi said during a press briefing at the Ministry of Health in Jakarta on Thursday, January 9, as reported by Kumparan.
He emphasized that HMPV has been circulating globally for years, including in Indonesia. “This virus has been around worldwide for a long time,” he added.
Budi also sought to correct misinformation linking a surge in respiratory illnesses in China to HMPV. He explained that the rise in cases in China in late 2024 was primarily due to influenza, not HMPV.
“Claims that HMPV cases spiked in China in 2024 are false. These reports have been debunked by the Chinese government and the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s simply a hoax,” he stated during a previous interview at the Herman Susilo Auditorium in South Jakarta on Monday (Jan. 6).
Budi noted that seasonal increases in respiratory illnesses are typical in countries with winter seasons, including China. “What’s rising in China is not HMPV. It’s the H1N1 influenza virus, a common flu strain,” he clarified.
He further explained that HMPV ranks far behind influenza in terms of prevalence. “In China, HMPV is only the third most common virus. So, the claims are inaccurate,” he said.
HMPV in Indonesia
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), recently linked to an outbreak in China, has been identified in Indonesia, with all reported cases involving children. In response, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called on the public to remain calm.
The minister clarified that HMPV differs significantly from COVID-19. While COVID-19 emerged as a novel virus, HMPV has been around since 2001 and exhibits characteristics similar to the flu. He emphasized that the human immune system is familiar with this virus and capable of mounting an effective response.
“Unlike COVID-19, which appeared just a few years ago, HMPV is an old virus identified in 2001 and has circulated globally since then without causing major issues,” Minister Budi explained.
He further reassured the public that HMPV is not a deadly virus. Its symptoms which includes cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, resemble those of the common flu. Most individuals infected with the virus recover naturally without the need for specialized treatment.
Read also : Indonesia Monitors HMPV Outbreak in China, Urges Public Vigilance
The transmission of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is similar to other flu viruses, primarily spreading through respiratory droplets from infected individuals. While generally not considered dangerous, vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions are advised to remain cautious.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin urged the public to maintain healthy habits, including adequate rest, regular handwashing, wearing masks when feeling unwell, and seeking medical advice if concerning symptoms arise.
“The key is to stay calm and vigilant. By adhering to basic health protocols including maintaining distance, washing hands, and wearing masks, we can manage this virus effectively, just as we did with COVID-19,” the minister concluded.
(Raidi/Agung)
