HMPV infection: Why there's no need to panic

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, virus infection outbreaks anywhere in the world have been a matter of news interest everywhere. The development becomes all the more newsworthy when it happens in China, the country that was widely seen as the epicentre of the global pandemic five years ago. The current global media interest in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection cases is no different. If the HMPV infections, initially reported from China, followed by isolated cases in some other countries, including India, are now a matter of serious media debate, its primary reason is an overhang of the COVID-19 fears in the minds of the public in general.

While there is no reason to panic, certain often-asked questions do warrant answers:

What is HMPV and what are its symptoms?

Discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands (not a new virus), HMPV is a respiratory virus that primarily causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in young children, old people and immune-compromised individuals.

How does it transmit?

It spreads through respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Is it a public health threat like Covid-19?

It is not as transmissible as the Covid-19 virus. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), HMPV is a common respiratory virus found to circulate in many countries in winter through to spring, although not all countries routinely test and publish data on trends in HMPV. The WHO also says that while some cases can be hospitalised with bronchitis or pneumonia, most people infected with HMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to the common cold and recover after a few days.

Is there a public health crisis in China?

In a note on January 7, WHO stated that according to surveillance data on acute respiratory infections shared by China, there has been an upward trend of common acute respiratory infections, including those due to seasonal influenza viruses and HMPV through China’s reported levels of acute respiratory infections, including HMPV, are within the expected range for the winter season with no unusual outbreak patterns reported. It also notes that Chinese authorities have confirmed that the health care system of that country is not overwhelmed, hospital utilisation is currently lower than this time last year, and there have been no emergency declarations or responses triggered. Since the expected seasonal increase was observed, Chinese authorities have issued health messages to the public on how to prevent the spread of respiratory infections and reduce the impact of these diseases, WHO says.

What has been the Indian government’s response?

Following media reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China, the Central government has been reviewing the situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status of the HMPV cases. There has been no indication of an unusual rise in respiratory illness in India during this season. In a statement on January 7, the Union Health Secretary said that the country is well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases and adequate diagnostic facilities are available within the country.

What are the precautions one needs to take?

Indian health authorities have asked the public to prevent the transmission of the virus with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc.