Currently, parts of China and India have been reporting an increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has gained global attention as a result, which has led to an influx of questions around what HMPV is, the symptoms, transmission and its impact which in turn has caused a lot of people to take an interest in it. In this article we will look to provide and overview to explain what the “HMPV virus” is.

Let’s first understand what it is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV):

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a type of a virus that was first discovered back in 2001, HMPV primarily infects children, older adults and immunodeficient and goes hand in hand with RSV, and Upper and Lower respiratory tract infections.

So now that we know what HMPV is in the broadest of senses, let’s take a look at the symptoms and their severity:

To put it simply, HMPV shares its symptoms with a myriad of respiratory illnesses, some of them include:

Mild Symptoms: Nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and fever

Severe Symptoms: wheezing, bronchiolitis and pneumonia which can cause the need to be admitted into the hospital in people who are vulnerable

In Conclusion, due to the overlapping symptoms HMPV has with Influenza and COVID-19 it is crucial to properly diagnose the virus,

HMPV Outbreaks: The Recent Trends

Recent Chinese Outbreak

After a barrage of reports detailing the HMPV’s outbreak occurring in China, the Chinese health authorities have started expressing concern. Were some media’s ambitious labeling of this virus a ‘new one’ jumps to complex conclusions? Perhaps not, for there has been an increase in testing and public health measures taken.

Status of India

HMPV virus is becoming common for India, specifically in its metropolitan cities such as Bangalore. As a solution, enhancing vigil and monitoring is what health authorities like the Indian Council of Medical Research recommend. Countries and regions like these still do not believe HMPV places a risk for Indian citizens similar to that of COVID 19.

International Analysis

Searches for enquiries such as HMPV virus symptoms or ‘HMPV virus cases in China’ show how eager and ‘interrogative’ the general public is regarding the matter. Yet even with all this information, a fact remains true, the number of deaths occurring due to the HMPV virus are nothing compared to the viral pandemics that have caused significant harm to humanity.

Method of transmission for HMPV

Respiratory droplets: The virus can be transmitted via sneezing or coughing.

Direct contact: This virus can also be contracted touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. People have a higher risk if they come in direct contact with an infected person.

Respiratory viruses are highly communicable, especially when there is poor hygiene.

Preventive Measures

Currently, there is no available vaccine against HMPV. However, the following measures can alleviate the chances of contracting the disease:

• Keeping hands clean, by frequent washing of hands with soap.
• Masks should be worn while in public areas, especially when in close contact with others.
• Staying away from people who are sick.
• Refraining from having contact with infected surfaces.

Is HMPV Deadly?

Around the world, HMPV is not classified on the lists of deadliest viruses, with improper diagnosis being the death cause for most of the mild cases. However, it can lead to life-threatening suits for the elderly and the ones with health issues.

HMPV in Context: Lessons from COVD-19

Comparisons between HMPV and COVID-19 will be made, there is no denying this preposition. The two viruses however can be distinguished over their mode of transmission and the degree of viciousness. Although there is a growing number of HMPV infections in China as well as in India, the situation needs a measured degree of patient activity not hysteria.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

The HMPV virus is now a familiar fact in the news and the public`s attention to infectious diseases has grown mightily, as it has always been. Due to the nature of HMPV, it can be controlled, especially with the public health programs working on educating people about it. Always keep your health in mind, maintain personal hygiene, and see a doctor as the last resort in case you suffer from cough together with other respiratory sicknesses.

Next time when talk regarding HMPV comes up, remember, it is nothing to be scared of, all it needs is responsible discussion – and it will go a long way to ensuring that the virus is avoided.