SINGAPORE - The year-end surge in cases of a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms but for which there is no vaccine has started to subside, said Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary.

He told Parliament on Feb 5 2024 that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been prevalent globally, including in Asia, for many years and that sudden increases are common, especially during the colder months in temperate regions.

Some parts of Asia experienced significant upswings this winter.

There is currently no vaccine for HMPV and that the influenza vaccine does not provide protection against it, Dr Janil said.

He was replying to questions on HMPV posed by MPs Ng Ling Ling (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC).

The rise in the number of HMPV infections in Singapore at the end of 2024 was consistent with those of previous years, the Health Ministry said in January.

The weekly HMPV cases among acute respiratory infection (ARI) samples in the community in Singapore were up to between 5.5 per cent and 9 per cent in December 2024, from a range of 0.8 per cent to 9 per cent during other periods in the year.

This rise, typically seen during the year end, was likely due to increased social gatherings and holiday travel.

HMPV is a virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, runny nose and sore throat, which clear on their own in three to six days.

However, it can lead to more serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in young children, adults aged over 65 and people who are immunocompromised.

Doctors said most people get HMPV before they turn five, so symptoms tend to be more severe in children as they have yet to build immunity against it.

While an HMPV infection is “self-limiting”, with sufferers getting better with or without specific treatment, younger children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of complications.

Since 2007, Singapore has tested for HMPV in certain individuals through nasal, throat and nasopharyngeal swabs. This...