Key Points
- HMPV virus spread in India raises concerns
- China increases monitoring of HMPV cases
- Expert says respiratory viruses increase this time of year
ISLAMABAD: Five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were confirmed in India, marking the first reported instances of the virus amid a global rise, including rising cases in China.
According to local media, the cases were reported in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Salem. The officials said the affected people and their families in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad have no recent travel history.
Chinese health officials are also reportedly monitoring an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
However, there is currently no evidence that the outbreak is out of the ordinary or that a new respiratory virus or illness has emerged in China.
ABC News cited a spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO) as saying that data from China indicates “there has been a recent increase in acute respiratory infections” but that “the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year are lower than last year.”
According to data from the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of HMPV have been steadily increasing in the United States since November 2024 with 1.94 per cent of weekly tests positive for HMPV as of December 28, 2024.
By comparison, 18.71 per cent of weekly tests were positive for flu and 7.10 per cent were positive for COVID during the same week, the data shows.
In a statement Monday, the CDC stated that the agency is “monitoring reports of increased disease” in China as the country reportedly deals with increasing number of HMPV cases. The reports are “not currently a cause for concern in the US,” the agency claims.
ABC News reported that health care professional Dr William Schaffner said that all of these respiratory viruses — influenza, COVID, RSV, human metapneumovirus increase this season of the year, in part because they get so close to each other.
“We spend time indoors and, of course, all of this holiday traveling, family get-together, and parties have been opportunities for us to get close together and for the virus to be transmitted,” he added.
What is HMPV?
HMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory disease, according to health experts.
The virus was discovered in 2001 and is in the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, according to CDC.
Symptoms of HMPV
HMPV symptoms closely resemble those of the flu and other respiratory infections, with common signs including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
In more severe cases, the virus can cause complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia. The incubation period typically ranges from three to six days, with symptom duration varying based on the infection’s severity.
How it spreads?
HMPV spreads like other respiratory viruses. Transmission occurs through, respiratory secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, such as handshakes or physical touch, touching contaminated surfaces, and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
According to the CDC, HMPV poses a higher risk to certain groups, including, young children, older adults, and Individuals with weakened immune systems.
According to Cleveland Clinic, an individual must visit the doctor if he shows signs of a respiratory infection and has a pre-existing condition that could increase the risk of complications.
How to prevent HMPV?
The spread of the HMPV can be prevented by washing hands regularly with soap, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, keep a distance from people showing signs of illness.
Those showing symptoms of HMPV or a common cold, must cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, wash hands regularly, and avoid sharing personal items.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Care for infected individuals focuses on symptom management and preventing complications.
