By: Henrietta Afful
Ghana has confirmed its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in vulnerable populations.
The case, detected in an elderly adult, was identified from 90 samples tested as part of routine surveillance after a rise in respiratory infections was observed in China and other countries in December 2024.
Health Minister, Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh indicated that the detection of HMPV coincides with ongoing outbreaks of cholera and meningitis.
Mr. Mintah Akandoh made these remarks when he appeared before Parliament on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, to provide a detailed update on Ghana’s health situation. This followed an earlier request from Parliament for a comprehensive report within a week.
HMPV is known to cause symptoms such as cold-like illnesses, bronchitis, and pneumonia, particularly in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Minister Akandoh revealed that testing for HMPV began in January 2025, following the increase in respiratory cases globally. Of the 90 samples tested so far, only one returned positive for the virus.
Despite the detection, the Health Minister reassured the public that the risk of an HMPV outbreak in Ghana remains low.
He highlighted the strengthened disease surveillance systems in the country since the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have a strong monitoring system for respiratory viruses, including HMPV. Any detected case will be quickly identified and managed to prevent further spread,” he said.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and encourage the public to maintain good hygiene practices and seek medical attention if they experience severe respiratory symptoms.
According to the World Health Ogranisation (WHO), Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common cold virus that can cause mild illness but may lead to severe symptoms in some people.
It belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Identified in 2001, hMPV is found worldwide and spreads through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
What are the signs and symptoms of hMPV infection?
Generally, people infected with hMPV will have cold or flu-like symptoms:
- cough
- fever
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- body ache
- headache.
WHO says the virus can make a few people quite sick, causing infection of the lung (pneumonia) or inflammation of the airways to the lungs (bronchiolitis, bronchitis).
Symptoms of more severe disease include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, severe fatigue, dehydration, or a persistent fever that does not improve.
It is advised that anyone experiencing any of these severe symptoms, should quickly seek medical advice.
