The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines disclosed on Wednesday that there have been 284 cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) recorded throughout 2024, making up 5.8% of the 4,921 samples that tested positive for respiratory viruses. The DOH is keeping a close watch on HMPV infections as part of its broader respiratory illness monitoring efforts. From January 1 to December 21, 2024, the data shows that out of 339 samples tested in December, 10 were positive for HMPV. The DOH noted that HMPV cases appear sporadically throughout the year without any significant patterns or clusters. HMPV, identified in 2001, generally leads to mild symptoms like cough, fever, and congestion, but can occasionally result in more serious conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In other news, the DOH reported a decrease in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases in 2024, with 179,227 cases recorded, marking a 17% reduction from the 216,786 cases in the previous year. Other common causes of ILI include Rhinovirus, Enterovirus, and Influenza A. This decline is believed to be due to enhanced health-seeking behaviors and better healthcare system readiness. ILI typically presents with symptoms like cough, colds, and fever, and can be triggered by a variety of respiratory viruses. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stressed the importance of preventive actions such as good nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining hygiene to fight respiratory diseases, particularly during the cooler Northeast Monsoon season.
Philippines Sees 284 HMPV Cases in 2024 Amidst Ongoing Respiratory Virus Surveillance
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