What isHPMV?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.
HMPV is in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and its outbreaks are concentrated during colder seasons. Despite its first being identified in the Netherlands, serological data suggested HMPVhas been circulating globally for more than 50 years.
Why is HMPV in the news?
Cases have been surging in northern China, particularly among children, according to local authorities. The country’s centre for disease control (CDC) has warned people to take precautions with health and hygiene, but has also pushed back against online claims of overwhelmed hospitals and fears of another Covid-like pandemic. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year. The apparent increase in cases is likely partly due to new technology more easily detecting and identifying HMPV.
HMPV Epidemiology
Genetic and epidemiological analyses show that HMPV had three distinct transmission patterns: before 1990, 1990–2005, and after 2006. HMPV was endemic in America before 1990, then between 1990 and 2000 transmissions from America to other continents were observed, but most were transient. The firm establishment and continuous evolution of hMPV is observed in Asian countries after 2005, leading to the emergence of novel variants and the global transmission of these variants.
How worried should we be about HMPV?
HMPV is not like Covid-19, in that it has been around for several decades and there is a level of immunity in the global population from past infections, the experts said. Covid-19 was a new disease which had never infected humans before, driving the pandemic-level spread.
What are the symptoms of HMPV?
HMPV symptoms are similar with a common cold of the flu . Mild cases usually last a few days to a week. If you’re very sick, it’ll probably take longer to feel better. You might also have lingering symptoms, like a cough, that take longer to go away.
How is HMPV transmitted?
HMPV spreads through direct contact with those infected (coughing, sneezing, handshakes), or from touching contaminated items/surfaces (phones, door handles, keyboards, etc).
Who is at risk of being infected by HMPV?
Although anyone can get HMPV, there is a higher risk for severe illness for children younger than 5 (especially premature infants) and adults older than 65.
Also, there is higher risk for people with asthma/COPD or a weakened immune system (due to autoimmune conditions, HIV, cancer or immunosupressant medications.
HMPV Prevention – How to prevent a HMPV infection?
You can reduce your risk of getting HMPV and other infectious diseases by:
You can reduce your risk of getting HMPV and other infectious diseases by:
Washing your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your nose and mouth — with your elbow, not your bare hand — when you sneeze or cough.
Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases.
Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.
HMPV Management and Treatment – How is human metapneumovirus treated?
There aren’t any antiviral medications that treat HMPV. Most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better.
If you or your child are severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. There, healthcare providers can monitor your condition and help prevent you from getting sicker.
References
Epidemiology: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-50340-8