10
Loading video...
By Mandy Taheri
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
As infections from three viruses—human metapneumovirus (HMPV), bird flu, and norovirus—continue to climb, infectious disease and population health experts told Newsweek about the recent rise in cases, prevention measures, and what may come next.
Why It Matters
Bird flu (H5N1) has been transmitted from animals to humans in the United States, while HMPV cases are on the rise in China. Meanwhile, norovirus, a non-respiratory virus, has reached its highest levels for this time of year in more than a decade, according to the latest CDC data.
Read More
Norovirus Outbreaks: Public Health Official Warns of New Strain5 min read
HMPV: China’s Neighbors Respond Amid Virus Outbreak5 min read
The viruses result in thousands of fatalities annually, although the majority of cases are less severe.
The typical winter respiratory viruses—influenza, COVID-19, and RSV—are also circulating, adding to public health uncertainty.
What To Know
"There is usually an uptick in respiratory infections in the winter months. This year is no exception," Dr. Jatin Vyas, an infectious disease professor at Columbia University Medical School, told Newsweek. Although norovirus is not a respiratory virus, it is most documented in the winter and early spring.
However, he said that while "patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at heightened risk for complications," for the general public, "there is no need for significant concern."
Dr. J. Ken Wickiser, a population and family health professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, echoed a similar sentiment. "For the average person, we are not especially concerned about any one single pathogen circulating in the U.S. at this time," he told Newsweek.
Bird Flu
H5N1 is a strain of bird flu that has seen a spike in infections in birds, cattle, humans and other species in recent months.
Sixty-six people have tested positive for the virus since the start of 2024, 40 of which resulted from exposure to infected cattle, with 23 others associated with poultry farms, according to the CDC.
...
There have been no cases that have resulted from human-to-human transmission thus far. However, there is concern that H5N1 bird flu could soon mutate and become more transmissible between humans.
Since January 2022, all 50 states have been affected by bird flu, with 1,374 reported outbreaks impacting over 1.29 million birds, according to the CDC.
HMPV
With reports of HMPV circulating in and outside of China, some are concerned, as there is currently no available vaccine or treatment.
"Recent reports of increased HMPV activity in China should not be of particular concern for Americans at this moment, though some transmission of HMPV can be expected throughout the year in the U.S., especially during the winter respiratory virus season," A CDC spokesperson told Newsweek in an email on Monday.
The spokesperson noted that "activity in the United States is now returning to patterns similar to trends observed during pre-pandemic years."
The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Office in China told Newsweek: "As expected for this time of year (the Northern Hemisphere winter), there is a month-over-month increase of acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, RSV and Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)."
Symptoms of HMPV include a cough, fever and runny or stuffy nose. It can progress to pneumonia or bronchitis among vulnerable individuals, such as young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Norovirus
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., responsible for nearly 58 percent of foodborne infections annually.
The CDC has reported 91 outbreaks during the week of December 5, up from an average of 65 during the same period from 2012 to 2020.
As the illness causes an average of 900 deaths annually, mostly among older adults, along with 109,000 hospitalizations and 19 million to 21 million cases in the U.S. each year, prevention measures can be lifesaving.
...
Symptoms are often brief but intense, with infected individuals typically experiencing 24 to 48 hours of discomfort, beginning with nausea, vomiting, and followed by diarrhea, among other symptoms.
Most people recover within one to three days, with the exceptions of the elderly, immunocompromised people, and some children. Dehydration is a top concern for sensitive groups.
Potential Medical Strain
Health experts noted that the increase in viral cases could easily strain the U.S. medical system.
"While we have experience in treating and managing these infections, an influx of infectious patients stresses hospital staffing and resourcing but also increases the risk for spread - which is why infection prevention efforts are so vital," Dr. Saskia Popescu, an assistant professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, told Newsweek.
Vyas said, "Our hospitals typically run at capacity, so it does not take much to add strain to this system," but noted that at this time, "none of the circulating respiratory viruses have caused a large influx of patients requiring hospitalization. We are seeing patients with influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 in our hospitals."
A CDC spokesperson told Newsweek in an email on Monday: "Each year, foodborne norovirus illness in the United States costs about $2 billion, mainly due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses."
Prevention Measures
Preventive measures to reduce exposure and mitigate spread include vaccination, proper hand-washing with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home if unwell.
Popescu explained: "The tried and true infection prevention methods work. For seasonal respiratory viruses, vaccination, masking, hand hygiene, etc., is vital. For norovirus, washing your hands and routine cleaning/disinfection goes a long way, and if you're concerned about H5N1, educate yourself on risk factors, like not drinking raw milk and avoiding direct contact with wild birds and infected dairy cows."
Regarding vaccination related to circulating respiratory illnesses, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told Newsweek, "It is not too late to be vaccinated, but do not linger—get them today...Be mindful that these vaccines all work best in preventing serious disease; they cannot prevent every milder infection."
Vyas added that proper hand-washing is crucial: "It is important to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. People with cold-like symptoms should cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and wash their hands frequently (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds)."
Is There A Risk For Pandemic?
While some worry about the possibility of another pandemic following the coronavirus crisis, doctors told Newsweek that such an outcome is unlikely.
"Based on the available data at this time, I do not see the elements of an upcoming pandemic. There are not any data at this time to suggest that the public change from business as usual," Vyas said, adding, "There is a need for enhanced vigilance among public health professionals to detect if conditions change that pose an increased risk to the general population."
Wickiser reassured that: "By following standard guidelines promoted by health care providers and the CDC, including getting up-to-date vaccines and boosters, washing hands, and isolating or maintaining appropriate distance when feeling ill, we feel that this will be an average year for infectious disease for most of us."
However, Popescu noted the public anxiety around the uptick in cases, saying: "I think we're increasingly nervous from the increasing animal and human cases to a pandemic-fatigued public with little trust in science, and the lackluster federal response we've seen...so if you wanted to create a perfect situation for a s***storm, this would be it."
What People Are Saying
A CDC spokesperson told Newsweek in an email on Monday: "CDC is aware of reported increases of HMPV in China and is in regular contact with international partners and monitoring reports of increased disease. These reports are not currently a cause for concern in the U.S...We can expect that existing surveillance systems will rapidly detect any increase in HMPV cases in the U.S. CDC will continue to monitor and provide important updates to the public."
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, in a January 3 statement: "While the risk to humans remains low, we are always preparing for any possible scenario that could arise. These investments are critical to continuing our disease surveillance, laboratory testing, and monitoring efforts alongside our partners at USDA. Preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. We will continue to ensure our response is strong, well equipped, and ready for whatever is needed."
What Happens Next
The CDC and doctors urge people to be cautious with potentially contaminated foods and practice prevention measures to prevent further spread.
Update 1/8/25, 10 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to include additional comment from the CDC.
Update 1/6/25, 1:48 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to include the CDC's statement to Newsweek.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines