15 Jan, 2025
So, another viral outbreak in China and the whole world is apprehensive now assuming another pandemic is on it's way. But before assuming the worst it's always better to understand the virus and know simple yet effective ways to prevent it.
What is Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)? And who are at risk?
It is one of the viruses that causes majorly upper respiratory tract infection (common cold). It belongs to Pneumoviridae family of viruses which is different from the COVID-19 virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which is very commonly seen during winter months. hMPV was first identified in 2001 by van den Hoogen et al. in children with respiratory tract infections,1 and has been detected worldwide since then and is not a new virus. The virus usually circulates mainly during winter and the symptoms are mild in most cases. However, the severity can differ from case to case and may be more in immunocompromised children. hMPV commonly affects children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and adults with health conditions like immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. More is required for these individuals as they are the most vulnerable populations and the illness can be severe in them.
How does hMPV spread?
It spreads through air droplets and one should always cover the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing to prevent transmission. The droplets can settle on surfaces hence frequently touched surfaces should be regularly disinfected and hands should be washed before touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
What are the signs and symptoms of hMPV?
Clinical symptoms can vary from mild upper respiratory tract infections to wheezing and sever lower respiratory tract infection requiring hospitalization and oxygen support in some cases.2 The symptoms generally seen are cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, myalgia, headache. Symptoms of severe illness would be difficulty in breathing, wheezing, chest pain, dizziness, dehydration, severe fatigue or persistent fever that does not improve.
How can you prevent hMPV infection?
Prevention is simple and similar to other respiratory illnesses. The ways to prevent infection are3:
- Wearing a mask in crowded poor ventilated areas.
- Improve ventilation wherever possible (open windows, adequate cross ventilation/air flow)
- Wash hands with soap or alcohol rub.
- To avoid touching nose, eyes or mouth without washing hands.
- Stay at home if you are ill to prevent spread of infections to other.
- Cover your nose and mouth with tissue or bent elbow while sneezing or coughing.
- Regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.
A good immune system helps fight virus and can be done by eating healthy, exercising regularly and sleeping well.
How to diagnose and treat hMPV infection?
Diagnosis of the virus can be done through rt-PCR test of the nasopharyngeal aspirate or any respiratory specimen.4 hMPV virus is divided into two main genetic groups A and B, each has subgroups like A1, A2,B1,B2. The strains exhibit genetic diversification and cause range of symptoms. At present in India the Regional level Viral Research & Diagnostic Laboratory (RVRDL) at JIPMER Puducherry had discovered new lineages of hMPV specifically A2.2.2 and A2.2.2. previously between November 2022 to March 2023 9.6% positivity rate was seen for patients tested for hMPV with peak infections occurring in December and January. According to the information received from the National Institute of Virology (NIV), the hMPV virus has remained genetically stable, but its evolving nature and constant surveillance are important for managing future outbreaks. The treatment of virus is symptomatic with over the counter medications to treat fever, rhinitis and cough. There is no specific anti-viral medication for this virus and use of antibiotics is not requires at all. There is no vaccine for this virus however research is ongoing for the same.
To conclude, the virus is mild but children below 5 years, elderly and those immunocompromised should be careful and take precautions. The virus is not new and has been circulating in the world since 2001 so there is no reason to panic. Pandemic is less likely with this virus. But of course preparedness and prevention is better than cure always!
References:
- van den Hoogen BG, de Jong JC, Groen J, Kuiken T, de Groot R, Fouchier RAM, et al. A newly discovered human pneumovirus isolated from young children with respiratory tract disease. Nat Med. 2001;7:719–24. 10.1038/89098
- Jartti T, van den Hoogen B, Garofalo RP, Osterhaus AD, Ruuskanen O. Metapneumovirus and acute wheezing in children. Lancet. 2002;360:1393–4. 10.1016/S0140-6736(02)11391-2
- https:// www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON55
- Heikkinen T, Marttila J, Salmi AA, Ruuskanen O. Nasal swab versus nasopharyngeal aspirate for isolation of respiratory viruses. J Clin Microbiol. 2002;40:4337–9. 10.1128/JCM.40.11.4337-4339.2002