Human Metapneumovirus: Not as Deadly as It Seems, According to Expert Menkes Budi

Myth Busted: Indonesia‘s Minister of Health Clarifies Non-Fatal Nature of Human Metapneumovirus

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Indonesia’s Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has addressed recent misinformation and public concerns surrounding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), clarifying that the virus is not fatal.

Minister Budi stated, "The notion that HMPV is fatal is incorrect. HMPV is not deadly, much like the common cold or flu," following the send-off ceremony for participants of the Kardiointervensi Fellowship to China and Japan in Jakarta on Monday, January 6, 2024.

To further dispel misconceptions, Minister Budi shared that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001, predating the discovery of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, in 2019. He explained the difference between new and old viruses, "What sets new viruses like COVID apart is that humans haven’t built immunity against them yet. This can lead to confusion in how our bodies respond when infected."

Since its discovery in 2001, HMPV has spread worldwide, including to Indonesia. Minister Budi emphasized, "HMPV has been circulating since 2001 and has spread to every corner of the globe, including Indonesia. There’s no cause for alarm, as it’s not a novel virus."

In an unexpected revelation, Minister Budi hinted that some of the journalists present might be carrying the virus asymptomatically. "If tested, some of you here might show signs of HMPV due to its prevalence."