Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an airborne respiratory virus that has garnered global attention. HMPV has reportedly been a major concern regarding viral outbreaks in China. After the five-year anniversary of COVID-19, respiratory viral infections in China have reportedly increased.
The Union Health Ministry announced that HMPV in India has confirmed its first three cases, marking the first reported instances of the virus in the country. Though it is not a dangerous virus, precautionary measures have been directed to health and medical authorities worldwide to prevent its spread.
As the outbreak of HMPV could potentially become another health emergency, it has escalated concerns of global health threats from the past experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic.Understanding Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an RNA virus that causes cold-like symptoms and primarily impacts older adults and children under five during the winter season and people with weakened immune systems. It can sometimes lead to severe illness. The first infection typically poses a higher risk of serious symptoms, especially in young children. Subsequent infections usually result in milder, cold-like symptoms due to some acquired immunity. However, adults over 65 and individuals with respiratory issues or weakened immune systems may still experience severe symptoms.
HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which includes the Metapneumovirus genus. Discovered by Dutch scientists in 2001, this virus was identified during the examination of respiratory infection samples from children.
Is HMPV common or severe?
Research studies have shown that this is not a new virus but has existed all over the world as a common respiratory pathogen. However, respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. It affects people of all ages but HMPV is common, as 1 in out of 10 children can be infected with this virus multiple times in life. HMPV can be severe and at more risk if children under age 5 have acute respiratory infection. Treatment is usually limited to easing symptoms.
Symptoms of HMPV
Some common HMPV symptoms include:
HMPV symptoms in severe cases
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Breathing problem
- Bronchitis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
HMPV Mode of Transmission
The HMPV can be transmitted from one person to another via coughing, sneezing, or spitting in the form of droplets; close contact with infected people can also facilitate the spread of the virus. It can also be widely spread due to contaminated surfaces.
The estimated incubation period of HMPV is three to six days and the duration depends on the severity of the infection.
Precautionary Measures for HMPV
People are advised to stay alert in order to prevent respiratory symptoms such as coughing or colds. These precautionary measures will be helpful to curb the spread of respiratory infections.
Dos:
- Wear a mask to cover the mouth and nose when needed.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitiser.
- Avoid contact with infected people if anyone has a fever, cough, or sneeze.
- Avoid staying in public places.
- Take a nutrient-rich diet and drink more water.
- Maintain a proper distance from people while going outside.
- Consult the best pulmonologist in Faridabad or the top chest physician in Delhi NCR if symptoms persist.
- Encourage parents to avoid sending their sick children to school, as it can elevate the risk of illness among the vulnerable population.
- Consult the best child lungs doctor in Greater Noida if you notice early symptoms in children.
- Self-isolation practice at home if you are sick.
Don’ts:
- Avoid handshake.
- Avoid recycling tissue paper and handkerchiefs.
- Avoid contact with infected people.
- Avoid touching surfaces of the floor, wall, door, etc.
- Refrain from self-medication.
- Avoid sharing food in public places.
- Frequent touching of eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Is HMPV Dangerous?
HMPV is not dangerous for healthy individuals. However, some groups of people are at high risk for serious illness.
- Children under age 5
- Infants
- Older adults above age 65
- Individuals with breathing issues like asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- People with lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.
- Immunocompromised individuals with underlying conditions like cancer, HIV, or self-medication from over-the-counter.
Causes of HMPV
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. Here is a detailed look at how it spreads.
- Respiratory Droplets: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreads when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, emitting droplets that can be inhaled by people close by.
- Direct Contact: The virus can spread through close personal contact, including touching, kissing, or shaking hands with an infected individual.
- Contaminated Surfaces: The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours. If a person touches a contaminated object, like doorknobs or any item, and then touches their face, it may increase their chances of contracting the virus.
- Airborne Spreading: Airborne transmission can occur similar to other respiratory viruses, especially in crowded settings where people are nearby.
- Weather/Climate Setting: HMPV typically circulates during late winter climates, coinciding with other respiratory viruses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and influenza.
Treatment of HMPV
There are no vaccines on how to treat HMPV. Treatment is usually performed to diagnose and treat symptoms.
- Doctors in severe cases perform a bronchoscopy to test for the virus.
- Laboratory testing such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests to detect the virus.
Management of HMPV
There is currently no antiviral treatment for HMPV. Management of HMPV focuses on alleviating symptoms.
- Over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease pain and fever.
- Decongestants to relieve nasal congestion.
- Proper hydration
- Supplemental oxygen in severe cases.
By gaining knowledge about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and implementing preventive strategies, we can safeguard ourselves and others from this frequently neglected respiratory virus. If you or someone close to you exhibits severe respiratory symptoms, it is crucial to seek comprehensive medical care from highly qualified pulmonologists at Sarvodaya’s Centre for Pulmonology at Sarvodaya Hospital, the best hospital in Faridabad.
