Is HMPV Similar To Covid-19, How Does It Spread? All You Need To Know About The Disease | Explained – News18
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Both HMPV and Covid-19 share many similarities, as both cause respiratory issues such as coughing, fever, congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath, and both spread through respiratory droplets
HMPV cannot be treated with antiviral drugs, and currently has no vaccine. (Image for representation: AFP)
India has two confirmed cases of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus that originated in China), with three-month-old and eight-month-old babies detected with the virus in a hospital in Bengaluru.
The infected babies and their families have no recent travel history, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which confirmed the cases.
The case of the eight-month-old child was confirmed by the Karnataka Health Department, which said medical tests of the child turned out to be positive. The state health minister has called for an emergency meeting with the officials over the virus.
Let us look at the symptoms, treatment for the viral disease, and its origin in China.
What Is HMPV?
Identified in 2001, HMPV is part of the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as noted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The virus commonly causes upper and lower respiratory infections, with symptoms resembling those of a cold or flu.
Though HMPV can infect anyone, it poses a serious threat to young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.
A research indicates that the virus has circulated for at least six decades and is now recognised as a prevalent respiratory pathogen globally.
How Does It Spread?
HMPV spreads primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing and sneezing. Transmission can also occur through close contact with infected individuals or exposure to contaminated environments.
The Chinese CDC website states that the infection period for HMPV is three to five days. Unfortunately, the immune response triggered by HMPV is insufficient to prevent reinfection. While HMPV can be detected year-round, it is most prevalent during the winter and spring months.
What Are The Symptoms?
• Human metapneumovirus often causes symptoms that resemble a cold, but some people can become seriously ill.
• Young children are more susceptible to serious disease because the first time you have HMPV, you are more likely to become seriously ill.
• After your initial infection, you develop some immunity, which increases your risk of experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms if you contract HMPV again.
• Severe symptoms may also be experienced by adults over 65, those with respiratory issues, and those with compromised immune systems.
• Common symptoms include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath (dyspnea) and rash.
• HMPV can occasionally result in difficulties such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and ear infection.
What’s The Diagnosis And Treatment?
HMPV is typically diagnosed by medical professionals based on your medical history and symptoms. They take a sample from your throat or nose using a swab. The sample is examined in a lab for viruses and other diseases. Only those with severe symptoms can get tested for HMPV.
Doctor may occasionally additionally perform a bronchoscopy or chest X-ray to check lungs’ airways.
The disease cannot be treated with antiviral drugs. Until they feel better, the majority of people can manage their symptoms at home. At present, no vaccine is recommended.
You may need to be admitted to the hospital if you or your child are very sick. They could give patients:
Oxygen Therapy: A healthcare professional may use a mask on your face or a tube in your nose to give you more oxygen if you’re experiencing trouble breathing.
Intravenous Fluids: You can stay hydrated by receiving fluids intravenously (IV).
Corticosteroids: Steroids may alleviate some of your symptoms by reducing inflammation.
How To Protect Yourself
The CDC advises taking these measures to lower the risk of HMPV and other respiratory infections:
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Wear masks in crowded areas during outbreaks.
• Stay home when unwell to prevent spreading the virus.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.
How Does HMPV Compare To Covid?
HMPV and Covid-19 share many similarities, as both cause respiratory issues such as coughing, fever, congestion, sore throat and shortness of breath, and both spread through respiratory droplets, according to WebMD.
As per Science Direct, Covid-19 appears to be temperature-sensitive and, therefore, seasonal. Similarly, HMPV spreads in different seasons, the CDC said. Although HMPV can be detected throughout the year, cases typically peak in the US from late winter to early spring.
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.
What’s Happening In China?
China is currently facing an outbreak of HMPV and videos on social media purportedly show overcrowded hospitals and overburdened healthcare systems. Health experts have raised concerns over HMPV in other Asian countries as well.
The HMPV comes five years after the world was first alerted about the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, which later turned into a global pandemic, claiming seven million lives.
Health authorities are implementing new measures to monitor and manage the spread of pneumonia cases of unknown origin. Nonetheless, Beijing has downplayed the developments as an annual winter occurrence.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a press statement on Friday that “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season”. The spokesperson said, “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread on a smaller scale compared with the previous year. I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners in China. It is safe to travel in China.”
The Indian health ministry said it is closely monitoring the situation in China through all available channels and also requested the World health Organization to share timely updates regarding the situation.
At present, the WHO has not flagged HMPV as a global health emergency, but the rise in cases has prompted authorities to bolster monitoring systems.
What About China’s Neighbouring Countries?
Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV. Cambodia and Taiwan are keeping a close tab on the situation. Cambodia’s Communicable Disease Control Department has issued warnings about HMPV, noting its similarity to Covid-19 and influenza.
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control has said the virus’s higher risks for children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
As per Strait Times, Malaysia has seen a significant rise in cases of HMPV in 2024, with 327 cases reported, marking a 45% increase from 225 cases in 2023. The Malaysian Health Ministry has urged the public to adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of HMPV.
Japan is also closely monitoring the situation, An influenza outbreak already led to thousands of cases in Japan, with 94,259 flu patients reported in the week leading up to December 15, 2024, according to the Japan Broadcasting Corporation.
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