Announcement on the situation that has arisen regarding the metapneumovirus cases in our country he issued EODY. In more detail:

The last period of time, information refers to rise in respiratory infections in China. According to yesterday’s update from the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as today’s from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the levels of acute respiratory infections, including human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China are based on the data of previous years, within expected limits for the season and no unusual surges or flows have been reported. At the moment, according to the available information, Mr Influenza A virus remains in China the most common pathogen detected in people with symptoms of respiratory infections. Additional, emergency measures to deal with respiratory infections have not been activated.

In our country, it was confirmed a positive sample for human metapneumovirus (through the special rapid diagnosis method FilmArray), pending final confirmation from the Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, AUTH (National Influenza Reference Center of Northern Greece). The patient reported contact with a relative who had recently traveled to China. The results of the epidemiological investigation so far do not support the correlation of the incident with the outbreaks occurring in China. In addition, full laboratory testing by the Reference Center is ongoing, as is required for all respiratory viruses.

It is important to note that the human metapneumonia virus (hMPV) is not a new virus for our country and the above case, even if confirmed, will not be the “first case” in the country. Based on the available data to date, there is no cause for concern for the population.
According to EODY data, the circulation of the virus was high in the community in February 2024, with a peak in early April, and decreased significantly from the end of June 2024. In the current period, the circulation of the virus remains very low.

EODY systematically monitors hMPV in combination with other respiratory pathogens in patients visiting 15 hospitals across the territory.

EODY remains alert to monitor and deal with the seasonal outbreak of respiratory infections.

It is recalled that importance of following basic preventive measures and hygiene rules to prevent transmission of respiratory infections:

• In the presence of respiratory infection symptoms, it is recommended to use a mask.
• In the presence of symptoms of a respiratory infection, it is recommended to avoid contact with people who belong to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, people with chronic diseases and the immunosuppressed.
• Frequent hand washing and avoiding hand-to-face contact is recommended.

OR prevention remains the most important means of reducing the spread of respiratory infections.
Finally, it is recommended to seek medical advice from people who belong to vulnerable population groups, if they develop symptoms.