Skopje, 8 January 2025 (MIA) - Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an old virus, we shouldn’t expect it to be the new Covid-19, the spokesperson of the Infectious Diseases Commission, Zlate Mehmedovikj, told MIA on Wednesday. Mehmedovikj stressed there is no need to panic about the virus.

“It’s an old virus. It usually circulates in winter months. We shouldn’t expect this to be the new Covid-19 and we shouldn’t panic that this is something that will be the same situation as when SARS-CoV-2 was spreading back in 2020,” Mehmedovikj stressed.

According to Mehmedovikj, there is currently no vaccine for the virus, and the mortality rate is low – much lower than the mortality rate of flu. Complications are also “exceptionally rare”.

“They usually occur in children under two or people with weakened immune system,” Mehmedovikj added.

The symptoms, he said, are like those of the flu: mucus production, coughing, sneezing, fever. It is usually transmitted through close contact and usually results in upper respiratory symptoms.

The spokesperson told MIA that the Infectious Diseases Commission has no plans to convene for now.

Photo: MIA Archive