Let’s be prepared for HMPV
The emergence of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has sparked global concern, with countries closely monitoring the situation. HMPV is a respiratory infection that causes flu-like symptoms, comparable to COVID-19
By : Swati Sharma
Update: 2025-01-05 18:40 GMT
The Telangana government has sent an advisory, warning people to use caution when travelling in public areas, despite concerns throughout the world being raised by reports of a new respiratory virus — the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) — outbreak in China.
The respiratory virus known as human metapneumovirus (HMPV) belongs to the Metapneumovirus genus and the Paramyxoviridae family. “It was first identified in 2001 and is known to infect humans, particularly causing respiratory illnesses in children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems,” explains Dr. Viswesvaran Balasubramanian, MD, DM (Pulmonary and Critical Care), Senior Consultant in Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Yashoda Hospitals. The doctor adds, “HMPV is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. It can also spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus typically incubates for 3-6 days, and persons can become contagious before symptoms appear. This propensity to spread quickly causes seasonal outbreaks, particularly during the colder months.”
HMPV infection: What We Need to Know
“Human metapneumovirus is a significant cause of respiratory disease, particularly in susceptible populations. It often causes moderate symptoms in healthy people but can have severe presentations and results in high-risk groups,” says Dr. K. Subba Reddy, Sr. Consultant and HOD, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Apollo Health City.
Dr. E. Ravindra Reddy, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Kamineni Hospitals provides the following preventative measures:
Cover and contain: If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper.
Healthy habits: Drink lots of water, eat a nutritious diet, and get enough sleep.
Characteristics
l Discovery: HMPV was initially detected in 2001.
l Transmission occurs by respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, and close contact with sick people.
l Symptoms: Cough, fever, runny nose, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as seen with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
l Transmission occurs by respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, and close contact with sick people.
l Symptoms: Cough, fever, runny nose, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as seen with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Diagnosis
Laboratory techniques, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or viral cultures, are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis by detecting the virus in respiratory samples. Rapid diagnostic tests are also available, but they may be restricted in sensitivity.
Hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitiser.
Social distancing: Avoid crowded areas and keep a safe distance from those who have flu-like symptoms.
Stay home: If you have a fever, cough, or sneeze, you should stay at home and restrict your contact with people.
WHO is yet to publish a statement about the viral outbreak in China, and no state of emergency has been proclaimed.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral therapy for HMPV infection. Management is largely supportive, with a focus on symptom relief. it may require To reduce congestion, use of pain medicines, antipyretics, humidified air, or saline nasal drops.
Supportive care: Symptoms are managed using oxygen therapy, water, and antipyretics.
Antiviral medications: Ribavirin, a nucleoside analogue, has been proven to reduce HMPV replication.
Corticosteroids: Systemic corticosteroids can be administered to decrease inflammation in severe situations.