Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

Source: TOI

Context: Amid concerns surrounding the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, has assured the public that there is no need for alarm and urged people to follow basic precautions to stay safe.

About Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV):

• What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001, belonging to the Pneumoviridae family. It causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, typically manifesting symptoms akin to the common cold or flu.

• Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001, belonging to the Pneumoviridae family. It causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, typically manifesting symptoms akin to the common cold or flu.

• Origin and Discovery: HMPV was discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 through genomic sequencing of samples from patients with respiratory infections.

• HMPV was discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 through genomic sequencing of samples from patients with respiratory infections.

• Who is at Risk?

• Children under 5, particularly infants. Older adults (65+). Immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma.

• Children under 5, particularly infants.

• Older adults (65+).

• Immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma.

• Symptoms:

• Common: Cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat. Severe: Wheezing, shortness of breath, leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.

• Common: Cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat.

• Severe: Wheezing, shortness of breath, leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.

• Mode of Spread:

• Droplets from coughing/sneezing. Close contact, including handshakes. Contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the face.

• Droplets from coughing/sneezing.

• Close contact, including handshakes.

• Contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the face.

• Treatment:

• No specific antiviral or vaccine. Symptom management: Hydration, rest, Over the Counter (OTC) medications for fever and congestion. Severe cases: Hospitalization for oxygen therapy or Intravenous (IV) fluids.

• No specific antiviral or vaccine.

• Symptom management: Hydration, rest, Over the Counter (OTC) medications for fever and congestion.

• Severe cases: Hospitalization for oxygen therapy or Intravenous (IV) fluids.

• Diagnosis:

• NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) to detect viral genetic material. Antigen-based immunoassays for severe cases or outbreaks.

• NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) to detect viral genetic material.

• Antigen-based immunoassays for severe cases or outbreaks.

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