HMPV outbreak in China: A few FAQs answered; here's all you need to know

Five years after the Covid19 pandemic China is reportedly reeling under another respiratory virus ndash Human Metapneumovirus HMPVSeveral media reports and social media posts from the country suggest that there is an increase in respiratory infections in the country including those caused due to HMPV with some even claiming that hospitals are overwhelmedHowever Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization have not raised concern or declared any emergencyData from the Chinese CDC in late December showed that ldquothe positive rate of HMPV in cases aged 14 and below has recently fluctuated and increasedrdquo Chinarsquos state broadcaster CCTV had reportedWhat is HMPV and how does it affect the bodyAccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC HMPV discovered in 2001 comes in the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus RSV However serological studies have shown that it has existed in humans for more than 60 years and is distributed all over the worldThis virus can cause upper and lower respiratory issuesWhat are the symptoms of HMPVHMPV presents flulike symptoms like cough fever nasal congestion and shortness of breathAccording to the US CDC clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infectionsThe estimated incubation period is three to six daysWhich age group is most affectedAlthough the virus can affect people of all age groups it is most common in young children and the elderlyAccording to the American Lung Association though a history ofasthmaCOPDor any other lung disease does not make someone more likely to contract the illness once they have it these lung diseases can make symptoms more severe This is also true for people with weakened immune systemsHow does HMPV spreadHMPV is mainly transmitted through droplets or aerosols produced by coughing and sneezing The Chinese CDC states that close contact with infected people and exposure to viruscontaminated environments may also cause transmissionIs there a treatment for HMPVThere is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPVExperts are also warning against using antivirals for HMPVAccording to IANS in a recent interview with the statebacked National Business Daily a respiratory expert at a Shanghai hospital warned the public against blindly using antiviral drugs to fight human metapneumovirus for which there is no vaccine but whose symptoms resemble those of a coldWhat precautionary steps can one take to protect themselves from the virusWear a mask when going to crowded places Also frequent hand washing ventilation and scientific disinfection can effectively reduce the chance of HMPV infectionWhile addressing the media Dr Atul Goel Director General of Health Services DGHS India recommended common precautionary steps against respiratory infectionsIf somebody has a cough and cold you should avoid coming in contact with a lot of people so that the infection does not spread Use a distinct handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing and take normal medicines that are required for cold or fever whenever it is thererdquo he notedDoes India need to worryWhile there is concern over the reported increase in HMPV infections in China particularly due to the Covid19 pandemic that shook the world five years back Indian health officials have said that there is no cause of concernThe spread of HMPV in China is like any other respiratory virus There is no need for alarm about the present situation Dr Goel told the media as reported by IANSHe said there is any way an increased outbreak of respiratory virus infections in winter for which hospitals are usually prepared with supplies and beds further informing that there is no significant increase in the December 2024 data on the respiratory outbreaks within the countryAlso ReadHMPV in China Closely monitoring influenza cases in India no need to be alarmed says govtIs it the new Covid19 type virus outbreakWhile HMPV presents similar symptoms as Covid19 there is no official statement yet on the nature of the reported outbreak in China The World Health Organization has not raised any alarm or released any advisory as of nowDisclaimer This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice