Taiwan’s leading medical expert, Dr. Huang Li-min (黃立民) from the National Taiwan University, has attributed the recent surge in respiratory diseases in East Asia to immunity debt. This concept refers to changes in herd immunity before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent outbreaks include human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in China and record-high cases of erythema infectiosum, also known as “slapped cheek syndrome” and mycoplasma pneumonia in Japan.
China’s Centers for Disease Control has reported a significant increase in hMPV infections this winter, particularly in children under 14 in northern provinces. The virus, which shares similarities with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can cause severe lower respiratory tract infections and pneumonia in vulnerable populations. Currently, there are no available vaccines or antiviral treatments for hMPV, leaving high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals particularly susceptible.
Dr. Huang explains that these outbreaks are a direct consequence of reduced exposure to common pathogens during the pandemic period. He predicts that the situation will eventually normalize as populations rebuild their natural immunity through exposure to these respiratory pathogens.
Taiwan’s CDC Deputy Director Tseng, Shu-Hu (曾淑慧) advises the public to maintain preventative measures, such as mask-wearing and regular hand washing to protect oneself against these respiratory infections, especially during winter time.