MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is advising Filipinos in Malaysia to exercise caution and stay vigilant against human metapneumovirus (HMPV) after a significant rise in reported cases last year.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the embassy highlighted that 327 cases of HMPV were recorded in Malaysia in 2024, a notable increase from the 225 cases reported the year before.

“HMPV is a respiratory virus that typically presents with symptoms similar to the common cold, including cough, fever, and a runny nose. In more severe cases, it can escalate into bronchitis or pneumonia,” the embassy explained.

Children under five years old, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the virus.

The embassy urged Filipinos to take precautionary measures, including wearing masks and maintaining good hygiene practices to protect themselves from infection.

The Malaysian Ministry of Health reassured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation, both domestically and internationally. It also acknowledged that an uptick in acute respiratory tract infections, especially during the year-end and early months of the year, is to be expected.

The surge in HMPV cases comes amid growing concerns about respiratory infections in other regions, particularly China. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that HMPV is not a new virus and that the increase in its detection aligns with seasonal patterns seen in winter months.

“In many countries across the Northern Hemisphere, respiratory infections tend to rise during the colder months. This is due to the seasonal epidemics of various respiratory viruses, including HMPV, influenza, RSV, and mycoplasma pneumoniae,” the WHO noted in its latest update.

It also stressed that the co-circulation of multiple respiratory pathogens during winter could strain healthcare systems already burdened with a high volume of patients.

As the situation continues to evolve, both local health authorities and international organizations remain focused on monitoring and managing the spread of respiratory diseases.

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