Viral video of HMPV chaos in China raises alarms: Should India be concerned?

China is worried about a new pathogen.

Human metapneumovirus

(HMPV) infections have been documented nationwide as the government increases screening, identification, and isolation procedures to address unidentified infections. Social media videos depicted a frightening scene in hospitals, with individuals wearing masks crammed into waiting areas. There have been videos of patients coughing that surfaced. According to officials cited by Reuters, China has seen an increase in

HMPV

cases, particularly among children under the age of 14 in northern areas.

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

A common respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory illnesses (like a cold) is called human metapneumovirus (HMPV). As with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the other seasonal diseases, it often manifests in the winter and early spring.

Is HMPV a new virus?

HMPV is not a new virus. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was initially identified in 2001. But according to an expert, there is some serologic evidence that the virus has been around since at least 1958. Like RSV, HMPV is a member of the Pneumoviridae family.

How’s the HMPV outbreak situation in China?

In light of the fact that incidences of certain respiratory illnesses are predicted to increase over the winter, China’s disease control authority had earlier on December 27 announced that it was testing a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin. According to an official statement, Reuters reported that data for acute respiratory disorders revealed a rise in total infections for the week of December 16–22.

At a news conference, official Kan Biao said that China is likely to have a number of respiratory diseases in the winter and spring, according to Reuters. Although he did not elaborate, he noted that it is anticipated that there would be fewer cases overall this year than there were last year. Beijing responded to these worries with a press release. As stated by Mao Ning, the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season” on Friday.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

Coughing, fever, nasal congestion, and dyspnea are typical signs of HMPV.
Furthermore, other infection-related clinical symptoms could worsen and result in issues like pneumonia or bronchitis. Because the illness usually takes three to six days to incubate, people may start to exhibit symptoms within this time range following exposure. Depending on how severe the infection is, the length of the disease can change.

Should India be worried?

Even though India was among the nations most severely impacted by COVID-19, as of right now, neither India nor any other nation outside of China have reported any cases of HMPV. Dr. Atul Goel, a representative of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has advised the public not to panic over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China. According to official sources, the Union Health Ministry’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is keeping a careful eye on the nation’s respiratory and seasonal influenza infections and communicating with foreign organizations, ANI reported.

What’s the difference between COVID-19 and HMPV?

Like any other respiratory virus that causes the common cold, metapneumovirus can induce flu-like symptoms in both young and old people. According to a Science Direct study, COVID-19 seems to be seasonal and temperature-sensitive. According to the US CDC, HMPV also circulates in different annual seasons. While HMPV can be found all year long, infections in the US usually reach their peak between late winter and early spring.

Is there a vaccine for HMPV?

No. As of right now, there is no vaccine, and antiviral therapy is not advised. However, patients can take the following actions to help stop the transmission of respiratory viruses, including HMPV:
Hands should be often washed for at least 20 seconds with soap and water (see CDC’s Clean Hands Save Lives!).
Refrain from using unwashed hands to contact your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Steer clear of intimate contact with sick people.
When coughing or sneezing, patients with cold-like symptoms should cover their mouth and nose.
Do not share dining utensils or glasses with other people.
China’s neighbors are closely keeping an eye on the issue. A few HMPV cases have been recorded from Hong Kong. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet released a statement regarding the viral outbreak in China, and neither Beijing nor the international health organization have proclaimed a state of emergency.
(With inputs from Reuters and ANI)