HMPV is not a new virus. It is a well-known pathogen to infectious disease specialists and has been circulating in most countries, including India, for quite some time. As per the CDC, HMPV has a seasonal pattern, circulating in late winter and spring in temperate regions.
Prevalence
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause severe lower respiratory tract disease with symptoms similar to common cold or flu symptoms.
HMPV is estimated to cause 5%–25% of respiratory infections in infants and children (2–5 years) and 1.5%–10.5% in adults.
In children, HMPV is responsible for 5%–15% of hospitalizations for LRTI.
In adult populations, HMPV is responsible for up to 11% of hospitalizations for acute respiratory illness, particularly in adults with underlying heart or lung disease.
Who Is At Risk?
HMPV can infect anyone, but it poses a higher risk to:
Older adults, particularly those over 65.
Children under 5 years old, especially infants.
Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
How HMPV Spreads?
Droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Close contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
Contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Prevention Strategies
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Wear masks in crowded places during outbreaks.
Stay home when sick to prevent spreading the virus.
Basic cough etiquette
Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces.
Please Note: Currently, it is not a notifiable disease under IDSP.
Diagnosing Tests
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to detect viral genetic material.
Immunofluorescence or enzyme immunoassays to identify viral antigens.
Routine testing is rare unless symptoms are severe or there’s an outbreak.
Confirmation with Biofire Panel Test, which is a high-cost test.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV – focus on alleviating symptoms
Stay hydrated and rest.
Use over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain, congestion, and fever.
Severe cases may require hospitalization for oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.
Only contact isolation is recommended. No competent agency has recommended respiratory isolation. Healthcare providers should take standard precautions like any other ailment
For most, HMPV resolves within a week, but young children, older adults, and those with underlying conditions should remain vigilant.
Contact A Healthcare Provider If Symptoms
Worsen after a few days.
Include difficulty breathing or cyanosis (bluish skin).
Occur alongside chronic health conditions like asthma or COPD.
Expert Opinions
As per Global Experts: Based on a probabilistic analysis, the current viral spread is unlikely to result in a COVID like crisis. The reasons for this assessment are twofold:
Seasonal and Transient Nature- This inherent characteristic of the viruses suggests a natural decline in cases after a short period, unlike the sustained transmission observed with COVID-19’s Delta variant
Healthcare System Resilience: The healthcare system’s capacity to adapt to seasonal illnesses has been demonstrated historically, and the current situation is expected to be managed within these adaptive responses.
While the situation warrants monitoring and appropriate healthcare responses, the probability of a crisis on the scale of the Delta variant pandemic is low.
