KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 327 cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections were detected in 2024, marking an increase from 225 cases recorded in 2023.
The Health Ministry said hMPV is a respiratory tract infection caused by a virus from the Pneumoviridae family.
"This is not a new disease and in this country, hMPV infections are not required to be reported or notified according to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988," it said in a statement today.
The ministry said the public must remain vigilant as respiratory tract infections will continue to persist in the community.
The ministry also encourages the public to proactively maintain their health and prevent the spread of infections to others, especially in enclosed and crowded areas.
The ministry will also continuously monitor the development of respiratory tract infections both domestically and internationally, enhancing preparedness and taking appropriate measures.
"The increase in acute respiratory infections at the end of the year and the beginning of the next is an expected phenomenon, consistent with similar trends reported in other countries, especially those experiencing colder seasons, such as China.
"As a measure to prevent and control the spread of infections, the ministry is constantly monitoring from time to time, both domestically and internationally.
"This includes the virus that causes Covid-19, influenza and other respiratory infections," it said.
The ministry encouraged individuals experiencing prolonged or worsening symptoms to seek medical attention immediately at nearby government or private healthcare facilities.
It also advised the public to practice frequent hand washing, covering their mouth when coughing and wearing a face mask for those at high risk or in crowded areas.
Regarding Covid-19, the ministry said the situation remains under control, with no sudden spikes in cases requiring intensive care and no related deaths reported since April 25, 2024.
It said the total number of Covid-19 cases in 2024 showed a significant 50.4 per cent decrease, falling from 202,962 cases in 2023 to 100,666 cases in 2024.
Deaths also declined from 441 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.
It said the SARS-CoV-2 variant currently circulating in the country is still the Omicron variant and its subvariants.
No new cases of the Omicron variant have been reported from Nov 24 until the end of the year.