Health Minister Alexandru Rafila Clarifies Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Concerns

Health Minister Alexandru Rafila emphasized on Thursday that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus. Speaking to AGERPRES, he explained that HMPV was first identified in 2001 and is a common cause of respiratory infections during the cold season, CE Report quotes Agerpres

"This is not something new. The virus has been known since 2001 and is responsible for many respiratory infections, particularly in children and those over 65. Most cases are mild, resembling common colds. Severe cases are rare and typically occur in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions," Rafila stated.

He noted that the virus circulates annually in Romania, with tens of thousands of cases reported each year, and added that its presence this year is consistent with previous patterns. "There is nothing unusual about it, and it is not a virus originating from China. It circulates in the Northern Hemisphere during this time of year," he said.

Regarding the flu, the minister confirmed that Romania has not yet observed an epidemic-level rise in cases but continues to monitor the situation closely.