Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) being called a new china virus, cases in China have become a cause of concern worldwide. With five cases detected in India, the possibility of its spread has increased. Although this is not a new virus, people are scared of it just by the name of a new virus after the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. It has become very important to know about this virus to be aware about it. We will talk about this virus in detail here today.
HMPV Cases Rising in China
With the recent rise in HMPV cases in China, here are things to know about the infectious disease.
Is HMPV A New China Virus?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a negative-sense single-chain RNA virus that belongs to the Pneumoviridae family and is closely related to Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) subgroup C. It was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands using RNA arbitrarily primed PCR (RAP-PCR). The virus primarily affects the respiratory tract and is more active during late winter and spring, which overlaps with the influenza and RSV season. Recently, HMPV has been in the spotlight due to an increase in infections and concerns about its potential spread. Although the virus is not new, limited research and public awareness about it have fueled fear.
Recognise the symptoms of HMPV?
HMPV usually affects the respiratory tract, with common symptoms including sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, cough, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, requiring hospitalisation and oxygen therapy., “HMPV usually affects children under one year to five years of age. Sometimes distress can be so severe that breathing assistance such as a high-flow nasal cannula or CPAP is needed in the PICU,” HMPV mainly affects infants. In adults HMPV most often affects people over the age of 65.
HMPV similar to any other common cold virus?
While HMPV has similarities with other respiratory viruses such as the flu or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), it can cause more severe symptoms in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. “HMPV typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, but can be severe in people with weakened immunity.”
HMPV symptoms are like the Covid-19 virus?
Both HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 (the Covid-19 virus) are respiratory pathogens but differ significantly in virology, transmission and public health impact. Both spread via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces and can cause symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing. However, Covid-19 has a wider range of symptoms, including loss of taste and smell and a higher likelihood of systemic complications. Healthcare providers typically rely on nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), including RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence or ELISA tests for accurate identification.
“It is too early to compare HMPV to Covid-19. HMPV has been in circulation for a long time and primarily affects children under five years of age and adults over 65 years of age. Although any virus can mutate and become more virulent, current data do not indicate pandemic potential for HMPV.” Another important difference lies in the availability of vaccination. While effective vaccines exist for Covid-19, there is currently no vaccine available for HMPV. Also, antiviral treatments for HMPV are limited, while treatments such as Paxlovid are available for Covid-19.
What China thinks about HMPV Virus ?
China has not specifically addressed HMPV but has stepped up surveillance for respiratory infections. In December, Chinese health authorities intensified their surveillance systems to detect unknown pathogens and established protocols for managing emerging diseases. According to a Reuters report, respiratory infections caused by influenza A, mycoplasma pneumonia, Covid-19 and HMPV have increased, raising concerns. In response, China’s disease control authority has launched a surveillance system focused on identifying pneumonia of unknown origin, expecting a surge in cases in the winter and spring seasons. State broadcaster CCTV reported that recent respiratory cases in the country’s northern provinces included rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus infections.
