DOH reports 284 HMPV cases in 2024; monitors respiratory virus trends

Department of Health (DOH) (File Photo: Department of Health (Philippines)/Facebook)

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reported 284 cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in 2024, comprising 5.8 percent of the 4,921 positive samples tested for respiratory viruses.

Despite the low incidence, the DOH assures the public that HMPV infections are being monitored as part of the country’s respiratory illness surveillance.

The data, from Jan. 1 to Dec. 21, 2024, includes 10 HMPV-positive cases out of 339 samples tested in December.

The DOH highlighted that HMPV is detected sporadically throughout the year, with no unusual patterns or clustering observed.

Stressing that it is not a new virus, DOH explained that HMPV, a respiratory virus discovered in 2001, typically causes mild upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, and nasal congestion.

Severe cases, though rare, may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Meanwhile, the agency also reported a decline in overall Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases, recording 179,227 in 2024—a 17 percent drop compared to 216,786 cases in 2023.

Other top causative agents of ILI include Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, and Influenza A.

The decline is attributed to improved health-seeking behaviors and better preparations by the healthcare sector.

ILI is often characterized by symptoms such as cough, colds, and fever, and can be caused by various respiratory viruses.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the importance of preventive measures like proper nutrition, exercise, and hygiene to combat respiratory illnesses, especially during the cooler Northeast Monsoon season.