Thai PBS Verify found a Facebook page named “เกิดมาเผือก เจ๊เผือก” sharing information claiming that India declared an emergency, advising to monitor all Chinese people after the HMPV virus hybridized with COVID-19. However, upon consultation with medical experts, it was determined that the shared information is likely false. It is highly unlikely that two viruses would hybridize across strains, and the HMPV virus is not more severe than COVID-19.
Source: Facebook
Verification Process
Upon investigation, it was found that the Facebook page named “เกิดมาเผือก เจ๊เผือก” shared a message stating: “India has declared an emergency, advising to monitor all Chinese people after the HMPV virus hybridized with COVID-19, causing severe outbreaks in several provinces, including Hong Kong. The symptoms of severe pneumonia have worsened compared to previous outbreaks.”
This post attracted a lot of attention, with 12,000 comments and over 30,000 shares.
In the comment section, a news article from “Line Today” was shared, which reported the outbreak of the HMPV virus in China, leading to overcrowded hospitals. The news report only mentioned that “The current outbreak is similar to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
We investigated the claim by checking the website NDTV, a news source from India. We found that there was no mention of India declaring an emergency or monitoring Chinese people. The website only reported that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued guidelines to prevent and control respiratory diseases, including seasonal influenza and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). The guidelines emphasized prevention measures, preparedness in healthcare facilities, and raising public awareness to handle the increased risk of infection during the winter season.
The latest update on infections in India as of January 7, 2025, reports a total of 7 cases, with 2 new cases involving children in Nagpur, Maharashtra. A private laboratory confirmed both children were infected with HMPV, and samples were sent to the AIIMS Virology Centre. Both children have fully recovered and were discharged from the hospital.
Impact of False Information:
The false post generated significant interest, with over 12,000 likes, more than 2,200 comments, and the misinformation was shared 30,000 times. This spread of false information may cause
misunderstandings among those who receive it.
Cross-species hybridization is not an easy process.
Prof. Dr. Wasun Chantratita, Head of the Medical Genomics Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, stated regarding the claim that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) viruses have hybridized across species that it is extremely unlikely.
A review of recent reports indicates only a simultaneous outbreak of multiple viruses, especially in the Northern Hemisphere and colder regions. For example, in the UK during winter, outbreaks of up to four different virus strains have been observed.
“Most of these are related to the upper respiratory system, and the outbreaks include COVID-19 . In China, there are reports of an HMPV outbreak resembling the COVID-19 outbreak, but there is not a hybridization between the two,” he said.
Regarding cross-species hybridization, this typically occurs within the same species that evolves in stages, such as a previous virus strain that becomes more virulent. However hybridization between different virus species is highly unlikely.
While, viruses can theoretically exchange genetic material, there is no evidence that HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 have fused genomes in China. These two viruses belong to different families, with HMPV being a member of the Pneumoviridae family, while SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the Coronaviridae family. Additionally, their genetic structures and replication mechanisms differ significantly, making the combination of their genomes highly improbable.
However, there are interesting observations to consider:
- Co-infection cases – There have been instances of co-infection between HMPV and coronavirus viruses in the past. During the SARS outbreak in 2002, some patients were found to be infected with both HMPV and the SARS coronavirus.
- Vaccine research – Researchers are studying the possibility of developing a combined vaccine. Efforts are underway to create a vaccine that includes antigens from both SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses, including HMPV.
- Current outbreak monitoring – The ongoing HMPV outbreak in China is being closely monitored, but it remains a separate issue from COVID-19.
In conclusion, while co-infection between viruses is possible, there is currently no evidence of genome fusion between HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 in China or elsewhere.
The expert doctor confirmed that HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) cannot crossbreed.
Expert Insight: HMPV and COVID-19 Cannot Hybridize
Dr. Manoon Leechawengwongs, a specialist in respiratory diseases at Vichaiyut Hospital, stated that the combination of HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 is impossible, but mutations of each virus are possible.
“The HMPV outbreak has been ongoing for quite some time and has never mutated. Its severity remains the same, and its symptoms are milder compared to COVID-19”. Most people recover on their own, even without specific medications or vaccines. Treatment is symptomatic, and the current patient I am treating is an 80-year-old elderly person who was found to be infected with HMPV. The symptoms initially included a sore throat, cough, and mild fever. After treatment with symptom management, the patient recovered within 2-3 days.
The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of a cold, affecting the nose or throat. In some individuals, the infection may progress to the bronchial tubes, causing increased coughing. However, it is extremely rare for the virus to progress to the lungs, resulting in pneumonia or requiring mechanical ventilation.
No Need for Panic
“Therefore, there is no need to panic or be alarmed, and there is no need to close the country, as this is a seasonal illness that occurs every year”.
The outbreak typically occurs during the late rainy season and early winter. Previously, it was difficult to detect because genetic testing was required, which was expensive and took several hours. However, testing has become easier and can now be done using the same testing kits used for COVID-19. This means that people can now test for the virus at home. If you are infected, there is no need to worry, and simply manage the symptoms.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a type of virus that causes respiratory tract infections, with symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose, similar to the flu. However, it is not a new virus strain. The two main seasons when the infection is more common are the rainy season and the winter season, which are times when children tend to get colds and respiratory infections more often. The virus can be detected using the same method as for influenza and RSV, through a swab test. It is most commonly found in young children under the age of 5 and elderly individuals.
HMPV Symptoms and Severity
Patients often experience respiratory symptoms similar to those of the flu, such as fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat, with the condition being more common in young children. However, in adults and older children with a strong immune system, infection with this virus may only result in mild cold-like symptoms or even no symptoms at all. However, the HMPV virus belongs to the same group of diseases as the RSV virus and is a cause of pneumonia in young children and the elderly as well.
HMPV Treatment and Prevention
Since there is currently no vaccine or antiviral medication to directly treat this virus, the treatment is supportive, similar to the treatment for the flu and RSV. As for prevention, the approach is the same as for preventing other respiratory infections: wash your hands thoroughly, avoid touching your nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and wear a face mask when in crowded areas to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
