No cause for panic over hMP virus – health ministry

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm over reported increase in cases of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in northern China.

This was said late on Wednesday in a media statement by the health ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of hMPV in Namibia.

However, the government says it is prepared in case of any outbreaks, having drawn lessons from Covid-19.

Nangombe said hMPV is expected during the cold season and is part of a broader seasonal pattern seen in the Northern Hemisphere.

He added that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and has strong surveillance systems in place to detect and respond to potential outbreaks.

“The public is urged to remain calm as the reported increase in cases does not currently constitute a public health emergency of international concern,” Nangombe said.

He said hMPV, which was first discovered in 2001, is a common respiratory virus.

He added that while it can cause mild cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, it may lead to severe illness in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty breathing, though most cases are mild and resolve with supportive care.

Nangombe reassured the public that Namibia’s health protocols are well-prepared to manage respiratory outbreaks, including disease-specific guidelines for surveillance, detection, diagnosis and treatment.

The ministry confirmed that it has established public health emergency committees at various levels to handle such situations swiftly.