Written question WQ95493

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory pathogen which typically causes a mild, cold-like illness and is routinely seen at higher levels over the winter months. Public Health Wales (PHW) monitors this alongside other respiratory pathogens and latest published data shows it is circulating at a low level with a decreasing trend.

Seasonal planning is integral to organisational planning arrangements and is a year-round exercise with an integrated and whole system approach applied to it. Health boards, local authorities and their partners continually review their seasonal resilience arrangements to identify areas for joint action and to ensure surge capacity is made available.

Respiratory guidance focused on alleviating health and social care system pressures due to respiratory viruses was produced by the Welsh Government and published in September 2024. Reviewed advice on infection prevention and control was published by Public Health Wales in October. Welsh Government officials have regular contact with health boards and Public Health Wales to monitor the situation.