Can HMPV lead to an outbreak: Who is at higher risk?

The

Human Metapneumovirus

(HMPV), a

respiratory virus

, has raised alarms after an outbreak in China and cases emerging in India. With so far 3 confirmed cases in India, the authorities are closely monitoring the situation. While there’s no immediate cause for alarm, understanding the virus and who is most at risk is very much important for staying prepared.

What is HMPV and how does it spread?

HMPV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, closely related to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It was first discovered in 2001. It primarily causes respiratory illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe complications like pneumonia.
Transmission occurs through:

Symptoms

Symptoms of HMPV are very much similar to other respiratory infections, making diagnosis tricky. According to the CDC, common signs include:

“These types of viruses cause a similar types of diseases like body aches, fever, headache, stuffy or blocked nose, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, throat pain, throat congestion, in most cases the illnesses are upper respiratory illnesses but in some cases, the disease can become easier severe and involve lungs and then the person starts having wheezing or bronchitis or even pneumonia in the lungs,” said

Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, Group Medical Director – Max Healthcare & Senior Director – Institute of Internal Medicine.

Who is at higher risk of severe illness?

While anyone can contract HMPV, certain groups face a higher risk of severe complications:

Young children

Infants under 5 years, particularly those born prematurely, are highly susceptible.
HMPV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia in young children.

Older adults

Those aged 65 and above are prone to severe symptoms, particularly if they have underlying health conditions.

People with weakened immune systems

Conditions like HIV, cancer, or autoimmune disorders increase vulnerability.
Medications like immunosuppressants also lower the body’s ability to fight the virus.

Individuals with chronic respiratory issues

Those with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions may experience worsened symptoms or prolonged recovery.

Crowded environments

People in densely populated settings, including healthcare workers and caregivers, are at higher exposure risk.

How to protect yourself

Prevention remains the best defence against HMPV. Here are some simple steps to reduce risk:

Dr Budhiraja added, “Like any other flu virus this also spreads from person to person like when a person coughs or sneezes, but the problem with this virus is that we do not have a specific treatment for this or the preventive vaccination for this although this virus is known to us for more than 20 years we still have not made a vaccine for this virus so that treatment is essentially symptomatic and the treatment of the complications as and when they happen. The incubation period is 3-6 days, so the moment you are exposed to a person within the next few days there is a likelihood that the other person who is exposed develops the symptoms and again then can transmit this infection by sneezing or coughing.”

Is an outbreak imminent in India?

India’s health authorities, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), are actively monitoring cases. Although the current numbers are low, vigilance is key. Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, early detection, rapid isolation, and preventive measures will help curb the spread.