The spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has become a global concern. The virus, which mainly affects children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, was found in 5 infants in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
HMPV Symptoms: How to Identify HMPV Infection
In infants and young children, HMPV often presents with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-like symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. In severe cases, wheezing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing (tachypnea) and retraction (visible retraction of the chest muscles). In some cases, it can develop into bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which requires hospitalization.
In healthy adults, HMPV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Subfebrile temperature
- Fatigue
Most adults recover without complications, but symptoms may be more severe in the elderly or those with underlying health problems.
Children with the flu first develop a fever, which may be accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, and general malaise. In addition, respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat and runny nose may occur, CCTV News quoted Wang Quan, chief physician of Beijing Children’s Hospital, as saying that viruses and mycoplasma pneumoniae are the main pathogens in China at present.
Older people, especially those with chronic conditions (such as heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system), are at higher risk for serious symptoms, including shortness of breath, high fever, wheezing, complications such as pneumonia, or worsening of pre-existing conditions.
In people with weakened immune systems, HMPV can lead to prolonged illness, severe lower respiratory tract infections, or secondary bacterial infections.
Can HMPV trigger a pandemic?
“#HMPvirus is not a cause for panic. It is a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild ones. Instead of rushing to identify every pathogen, we should all take the usual precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash our hands, avoid crowds, consult a doctor if symptoms are severe,” wrote former World Health Organization (WHO) Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan on X (formerly Twitter). “According to @ICMRDELHI, #HMPV accounts for about 3% of the respiratory pathogens identified in the laboratory network in analysis of cases of PHI and SARS. Influenza A and B, SARSCoV2 and RSV are other circulating viruses. No deaths have been reported in India yet,” she added in her message.
“It is emphasized that HMPV is already circulating globally, including in India, and cases of HMPV-related respiratory diseases have been reported in various countries. Also, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARS) cases in the country,” the center said in an official statement.
How states have responded to HPV cases
Tamil Nadu has reported two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), one each in Chennai and Salem, the state’s health and family welfare department’s additional chief secretary said on Monday.
A press release issued by the Tamil Nadu government’s DIPR said, “Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus, it is an already circulating virus that was first identified in 2001. HMPV infections are self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic care. , including adequate hydration and rest to treat HMPV, currently 2 cases of metapneumovirus have been reported, one in Chennai and one in Salem. They are stable and under observation.”
HMPV was detected in a 2-month-old baby who came from Dungarpur in Rajasthan to Sarwar and was later referred to Ahmedabad, state health minister Rushikesh Patel said in a press statement. “As of now, the baby is fine and ready to be discharged… In our report, the baby has been found positive for MPV,” said Dr Nirav Patel, MD, Orange Children’s Hospital, Ahmedabad.
A three-month-old infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after admission to Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the ministry informed.
An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital on January 3. He is now on the mend, the report said.
Amid reports of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in some parts of the country, the Odisha government on Monday said it is ready to deal with any such situation. Speaking to mediapersons, State Health Director Neelakanta Mishra said, “There is no need to panic as the Center has not issued any guidelines yet. However, we are ready to resolve the situation at any point of time.”
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday urged the people of the state to follow the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Health Department and the central government and said there was “no need to panic”.
