Kuwait Health Officials Ease Worries Over HMPV Virus Spread

07/01/2025

Kuwait Health Officials Ease Worries Over HMPV Virus Spread

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 7: To reassure citizens and residents, the Ministry of Health, through its Assistant Undersecretary for Preventive Health Affairs, Dr. Al-Mundhir Al-Hasawi, confirmed that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in Kuwait remain within typical seasonal levels. In a press statement, Dr. Al-Hasawi clarified, “No noticeable increase in the number of infections has been recorded,” and assured that the ministry has sufficient laboratory reagents for virus detection. He noted that influenza types A and B are the primary causes of respiratory symptoms in adults this season, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to be the leading cause of respiratory illness in children under five. The Ministry of Health is actively monitoring the global health situation and collaborating with international medical organizations.

It is also utilizing the Emflu platform, operational in 12 health centers across Kuwait, to track respiratory diseases. Dr. Al-Hasawi emphasized that there is no specific vaccine for HMPV and urged the public to adhere to general preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. Separately, Dr. Ghanem Al-Hujailan, an internal and epidemiological diseases consultant at Adan Hospital, downplayed concerns over HMPV’s recent spread in China, noting that it is an old virus with risks far lower than COVID-19 or seasonal influenza. On his X account, Dr. Al-Hujailan explained that HMPV symptoms resemble those of influenza, such as congestion, fever, and coughing. In rare cases, it may lead to pneumonia in children under five, particularly those with weakened immune systems.

The virus has a short incubation period and typically resolves within a week, posing minimal public health risks. Dr. Al-Hujailan also noted that HMPV transmission, primarily through respiratory secretions, is less contagious than COVID-19. He highlighted that rising HMPV cases in China are unsurprising, as the country’s influenza infection rates are four times higher than Kuwait’s.

While there is no approved treatment for HMPV, Dr. Al-Hujailan noted that international health organizations have been working on vaccines since 2019.

Regarding influenza, he elaborated on its three types:

Type A: The most dangerous and widespread, and the target of vaccines.
Type B: Less severe and with lower transmission rates.

Type C: The least severe and least common of the three. Both experts reassured the public that Kuwait remains vigilant and well-prepared to manage seasonal respiratory illnesses.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff