It caused panic after hitting the news of the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in some parts of China. People are feared of the COVID-19 like situation as they are still recovering from the trauma of the COVID pandemic. Because this is also a respiratory virus that has the potential to spread fast in the general population practicing caution is advised by physicians.
The spread of the HMPV virus global spread is reported in countries such as India and Malaysia.
Human Metapneumovirus aka HMPV virus is a respiratory virus belonging to the “Pneumoviridae” family. Other viruses from this family are Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Measles, and Mumps. Like Corona Virus we don’t call it Novel virus as it is not the first time it is spread in humans.
HMPV virus was first extracted from a human sample in 2001 in the Netherlands by Bernadette G. Van Den Hoogen and her colleague.
It is a negatively sensed single-stranded RNA virus closely related to Avian Metapneumovirus (AVMP or aVMP).
It spreads just like other respiratory viruses by droplet infection of contact with an infected surface. A hMPV virus has an incubation period of 3 to 6 days.
It affects all age groups but patients below 5 years and above 60 years old. Spread is equal in both male and female counterparts.
High-risk group: – Patients from the high-risk group have a chance of developing fatal infections where patients may require hospitalization or ICCU admission.
1. People with existing chronic respiratory diseases such as Bronchial Asthma, COPD, TB, and volume loss.
2. Immunocompromised patients such as patients suffering from autoimmune diseases and diseases that deplete immunity (Lymphoma, AIDS) and patients on immunosuppression therapy such as patients on steroids or anticancer medication.
3. Children below 5 years and adults more than 60 years old are also at risk.
4. Health workers also have a high chance of getting infected due to higher exposure.
Signs and Symptoms: –
As per WHO Signs and symptoms are the same as other respiratory viruses such as flu or upper respiratory tract infection. Patients may get a cold, fever, body aches, headache, and cough.
In an advanced state, a patient may develop a simple infection into pneumonia, Bronchitis, or bronchiolitis. Where they suffer from high-grade fever, wheezing, fatigue, breathlessness, dehydration, chest pain, and all pneumonia like symptoms.
In some cases, it can cause Ear infection as stated by Cleveland Clinic.
The HMPV virus causes seasonal flu mostly in the rainy and winter season.
Detection and treatment: –
The HMPV virus infection is diagnosed by PCR test.
In early infection, the treatment is rest symptomatic treatment and hydration. However, in advanced cases, hospitalization is advised in a few cases ICCU care may be required.
Prevention is the best way to avoid HMPV virus infection. Try to avoid direct contact with infected persons, use hand wash, and a face mask, and avoid the contact of patients to high-risk people.
The vaccine is still at the developmental level. WHO has warned people about the spread of the HMPV virus and ask to exercise precautions.