Dr Mandeep Singh Azad, Dr Manmeet
HMPV outbreak in China has sparked global concern, prompting countries like India to closely monitor the virus and its transmission. Malaysia has also been experiencing a notable increase in HMPV cases.Five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were confirmed in India on Monday, marking the first reported instances of the virus in the country. In Bengaluru, a three-month-old baby, who has been discharged, and an eight-month-old, who is recovering at a hospital, were the two cases. A two-month-old was also found infected in Ahmedabad. One case was each reported in Chennai and Salem.The affected infants and their families in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad have no recent travel history from other regions or countries. The HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China.The governments in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi have issued guidelines similar to those followed during Covid-19 to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to HMPV.HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory infection that causes flu-like symptoms.
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is one of the many respiratory viruses that can cause infections in people of all ages particularly during the winter and early spring months. The virus infection is usually a mild and self-limiting condition and most cases recover on their own. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring.Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. You’re more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. Adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.Human metapneumovirus is similar to RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). It’s part of the same genus or scientific grouping as RSV (Pneumovirus), and can cause similar symptoms.
How does HMPV spread?
HMPV is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, close contact like handshakes or touching, and contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. According to the CDC, the virus follows a seasonal pattern, typically circulating during late winter and spring in temperate areas.
HMPV and COVID-19 share many similarities, in that they both cause respiratory issues such as coughing, fever, congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath, and both spread through respiratory droplets, according to WebMD.Severe cases can require hospitalisation.
Studies suggest HMPV cases tripled in some regions after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The drop in exposure to viruses during lockdowns likely weakened immunity, causing a surge in respiratory infections once precautions were relaxed.
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available for HMPV infections. Management of the disease primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms and providing supportive care. The approach to treatment may include:
Rest and hydration: Encouraging patients to get plenty of rest and stay well-hydrated to support the body’s natural healing processes.
Over-the-counter medications: Using fever reducers and pain relievers like manage fever and discomfort.
Nasal decongestants and saline sprays: Employing these to relieve nasal congestion and improve breathing.
Humidifiers: Using these devices to add moisture to the air, which can help soothe irritated airways and ease coughing.
Oxygen therapy: In severe cases, providing supplemental oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties.
Bronchodilators: Administering these medications to open up airways in patients with wheezing or shortness of breath.
Antibiotics: Prescribing these only if a secondary bacterial infection develops, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
Health experts caution against the indiscriminate use of antivirals, citing risks of drug resistance and potential side effects. Instead, the focus is on early detection and appropriate supportive care.For most individuals, HMPV infections resolve on their own with time and rest. However, those at high risk for complications should be closely monitored and may require more intensive medical support.
HMPV vs. Other Respiratory Illnesses
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) shares several characteristics with other respiratory illnesses like Influenza and COVID-19, but there are key differences:
Mortality Rate: HMPV generally has a low mortality rate, with most people recovering within a couple of weeks. Severe cases occur mostly in vulnerable populations, but fatalities are rarer compared to Influenza and COVID-19, which have higher mortality rates, especially in high-risk groups.
Spreadability: HMPV spreads through respiratory droplets and is most common during winter and spring, like Influenza. COVID-19, however, spreads year-round and is more contagious. All three viruses can spread during the incubation period, making containment more challenging.
Mutation: HMPV mutates more slowly than Influenza and COVID-19, which undergo rapid mutations and produce new strains regularly. This makes hMPV less of a concern in terms of new, more transmissible variants compared to the fast-evolving strains of COVID-19 and Influenza.
Public Health Impact: While hMPV is an important pathogen, it does not have the same level of global impact as Influenza or COVID-19. Vaccines for Influenza and COVID-19 have reduced their burden, but hMPV still lacks a specific vaccine or treatment, making prevention through hygiene and health practices crucial.
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