AMID rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, the Department of Health yesterday said it is not necessary to implement a lockdown or to close the country’s borders as the virus has long been detected in the Philippines.
Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo issued the statement after fears of another lockdown and border closure were posted on social media. The rising number of HMPV cases in China has evoked memories of the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020.
“We know this HMPV so there is no need to close our borders. It is here but is not spreading… We don’t need a lockdown and normal lives will just continue,” Domingo said.
The health department, in a statement, said HMPV is not a new disease in the Philippines.
“HMPV is not a new virus. We have been able to identify it for a long time. Its symptoms are not severe. Like the common cough and cold, it heals on its own as long as our resistance is strong,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
The DOH said people infected with HMPV are known to have mild upper respiratory symptoms, such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing, while rare severe cases can result in bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among infants, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
It also said the HMPV is ranked sixth among identified causative agents of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the Philippines for 2024.
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 21, 2024, the DOH has recorded 284 HMPV cases, including 10 cases last month.
“HMPV is being detected sporadically, with no unusual clustering or pattern, throughout the year,” said Herbosa.
Nevertheless, the DOH is reminding the general public, especially the young, the immunocompromised, and elderly, to take precaution like frequently washing hands, avoiding crowded places when possible, and eating and drinking properly.
“Facemasks are still voluntary, for those with symptoms, and for those who want to avoid the air,” Herbosa said.
