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Government of Jakarta Records 79 Respiratory Cases Caused by HMPV This January

Government of Jakarta Records 79 Respiratory Cases Caused by HMPV This January
Government of Jakarta Records 79 Respiratory Cases Caused by HMPV This January. Image Source: New Scientist

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Office revealed that there have been 79 cases of Acute Respiratory Infection caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in January 2025 (so far), though the Indonesian House of Representatives has asked the public to remain calm.

In addition to the aforementioned 79 cases, the Head of DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Office, Ani Ruspitawati, also revealed that there were 13 Acute Respiratory Infection cases caused by the HMPV virus in 2023 as well as 121 cases in 2024. Ruspitawati encouraged the public in Jakarta to maintain their health and increase awareness of HMPV.

We want to emphasise that the community plays a role in prevention, such as maintaining hand hygiene, healthy eating patterns, and wearing masks when sick to prevent transmission,” Ruspitawati told the press on Saturday, 11th January.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Office has collaborated with various hospitals and examination laboratories to increase efforts to detect Acute Respiratory Infection cases in Jakarta.

“From the results of respiratory panel examinations in several hospitals and laboratories [so far], the dominant viruses found were Rhinovirus, Influenza AH3, Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV] A+B, Influenza A 135 specimens, Influenza B 134 specimens, Influenza H1N1 pdm09 128 specimens, and HMPV from 23 types of agents or microorganisms that can cause Acute Respiratory Infection,” Ruspitawati continued.

Deputy Chairperson of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Nihayatul Wafiroh, has previously asked the public not to panic; instead, Wafiroh asked them to follow the stages of mitigation prepared by the government regarding the discovery of the HMPV virus in Indonesia.

The public does not need to panic because HMPV is not a new virus and is not dangerous for some people who have been infected,” Wafiroh asserted in a statement to the press on Friday, 10th January.

The Deputy Chairperson also asserted that Commission IX will continue to monitor the government’s steps in anticipating the spread of the HMPV virus in Indonesia, and asked the government to remain vigilant.

“The government must remain vigilant of virus mutations that could increase the rate of spread. We will also ensure that the budget for handling infectious diseases can be used optimally,” Wafiroh added.

ABOUT HMPV: An Explanation from Good Practice

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001. A member of the Paramyxoviridae family, it primarily affects the respiratory system, causing illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Should we be worried about HMPV?

HMPV is commonly associated with symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Severe cases may result in lung inflammation or pneumonia, particularly in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected surfaces, or close person-to-person interactions.

HMPV can affect people of all ages, but young children, the elderly, and those with health issues are at higher risk for severe illness. Concerns about a COVID-like pandemic have emerged. However, experts suggest and have emphasised that such scenarios would usually arise from newly emerging viruses, which does not apply to HMPV.

HMPV has been circulating globally for decades, meaning that most people have some level of immunity due to prior exposure. It is estimated that nearly all children will contract HMPV at least once by the age of five, with reinfections frequently occurring throughout their lives. However, preventive measures like practising good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces are essential to reducing the risk of contracting HMPV. For high-risk populations, limiting exposure during peak seasons is particularly important.

If you have concerns related to HMPV or other medical conditions, please contact us through info@goodpractice.co.id or WhatsApp at +62857-7272-1119.

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