HMPV Virus Scare: Five years after the Corona pandemic, a respiratory disease has again emerged in China. The name of this new virus is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). News is going viral on social media that HMPV is wreaking such havoc in China that there is a shortage of beds for patients. Chinese health officials have implemented some protocols to deal with this virus. However, no official declaration of emergency has been made regarding this yet.
After this news, the whole world is afraid of HMPV because similar cases were reported in the beginning during Covid and gradually this disease took the form of an epidemic.
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Two Cases in Karnataka and a child is also infected in Gujarat
Three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India. One case has been found in Ahmedabad and the other two in Karnataka. The infected include an 8-month-old boy and a 3-month-old girl. This virus affects children below 2 years of age and elderly people above 65 years of age the most.
India Monitors HMPV Cases, Health Ministry Confirms Preparedness
The Union Health Ministry reported two HMPV cases in Bengaluru involving infants with bronchopneumonia. Both have shown recovery, with no international travel history. The ministry emphasized India’s readiness to handle respiratory illnesses, highlighting swift public health measures if required. No unusual rise in ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) cases has been observed nationwide, as per ICMR and IDSP data. HMPV symptoms, including fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, are similar to ILI and SARI, making continuous monitoring crucial. Globally recognized, HMPV has not triggered significant health threats, and India remains vigilant against potential surges.
Now In this article, learn its symptoms, potential to spread, and if a cure or vaccine exists; Full detail
What is HMPV virus?
HMPV is an RNA virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms. It can cause cough or wheezing. There may be a runny nose or sore throat. Its risk is higher during cold weather.
How does HMPV virus spread?
HMPV virus spreads through coughing and sneezing. This virus spreads by coming in contact with an infected person. It can also spread by shaking hands with an infected person or touching any object infected with the virus. Its symptoms start appearing within 3 to 5 days after getting infected.
What are the symptoms of HMPV disease?
Its most common symptoms are cough and fever. In the beginning, its symptoms look like normal viral, but if the effect of the virus is more then there can be a risk of pneumonia and bronchitis. What are its symptoms, see in the Table:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Cough | Persistent coughing |
| Fever | High body temperature |
| Runny Nose | Continuous nasal discharge |
| Sore Throat | Pain or irritation in the throat |
| Fatigue | Feeling of tiredness or weakness |
| Difficulty Breathing | Shortness of breath or trouble breathing |
| Rash | Skin irritation or redness |
Can a new pandemic spread in the world again?
It is too early to say anything about HMPV. It is true that there is a lot of discussion on the internet and social media that a new epidemic has arrived in China. Some people are even claiming that China is hiding the real situation.
Suppose that the HMPV virus is spreading in China. It is also creating problems for children and the elderly. Despite this, the situation has not become so bad that the Chinese government or the World Health Organization issues any alert about it. Therefore, instead of panicking, we should wait for an official statement.
Is HMPV like coronavirus?
HMPV virus (Paramyxoviridae Family) and Corona virus (Coronaviridae Family), both are part of different families. Despite this, many things are similar in them.
- Respiratory Illness: Both viruses primarily affect the respiratory tract.
- Transmission: Both viruses spread through breathing and contact with contaminated surfaces.|
- Symptoms: The symptoms of both viruses are similar. These include fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
- Vulnerable groups: Children, the elderly, and people with weak immunity are most at risk from both viruses.
- Prevention: Keeping hands clean, wearing a mask and social distancing are important measures to prevent both viruses.
Can this virus spread all over the world like Corona?
This is not a new virus. There were reports of its spread in China last year as well. In the year 2023, this virus was also detected in countries like Netherlands, Britain, Finland, Australia, Canada and America. According to the National Library of Medicine, it was first detected in the Netherlands in the year 2001. However, it is considered to be at least 50 years old virus.
So far no such variant of this virus has been seen, which spreads explosively like Corona.
Is there any treatment or vaccine for this disease?
There is no antiviral drug developed for the HMPV virus yet. However, it has a very mild effect on most people. Therefore, its symptoms can be managed at home. People who develop severe symptoms are given oxygen therapy, IV drips and corticosteroids (a form of steroids).
No vaccine has been developed so far to deal with this virus. In fact, due to the HMPV virus, such conditions have not yet arisen that a vaccine needs to be made for it.
Should we start preparing for HMPV from now?
There is no need to panic about the HMPV virus. The Indian government is monitoring it. Being a neighboring country of China, the Indian government is already alert. Most senior doctors are saying that they do not see any possibility of a serious situation due to HMPV in India.
What are Chinese health officials saying about HMPV?
The Chinese Health Ministry has said that the situation is not unusual considering the flu season. HMPV is a common virus spreading during this season. The government is keeping a close watch on the situation.
When questions were raised about foreign travel in China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that more cases of respiratory tract infections are reported during the winter season. This year, respiratory diseases are less severe and spreading on a smaller scale compared to last year. It is safe to travel to China.
Has WHO released any update regarding HMPV?
No, the World Health Organization has not yet released any update regarding the HMPV virus spreading in China. However, China’s neighboring countries have demanded the WHO to issue a correct update about this.
What have Indian health officials said about HMPV?
The country’s Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goyal, has said that there is no possibility of any serious situation in India regarding this. Metapneumovirus is a normal respiratory virus here. Symptoms like cold and flu can be seen due to this.
However, its symptoms can be slightly more severe in the elderly and in children under one year of age. Despite this, it is not a serious disease. Our hospitals are fully prepared to deal with the situation.
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