Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001, and it is a leading cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, which also includes viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza viruses.
HMPV is not a newly discovered virus. It was first discovered in 2001, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. However, some serologic evidence suggests that the virus has been widespread since at least 1958, an expert said. HMPV falls in the Pneumoviridae family along with RSV.
Global HMPV Tracker: Five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were confirmed in India on Monday, marking the first reported instances of the virus in the country.
In Bengaluru, a three-month-old baby, who has been discharged, and an eight-month-old, who is recovering at a hospital, were the two cases. A two-month-old was also found infected in Ahmedabad. One case was each reported in Chennai and Salem.
The affected infants and their families in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad have no recent travel history, the Union health ministry has said, ruling out exposure from other regions or countries. There was no immediate statement on the cases in Tamil Nadu. The HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China.
The ministry said it is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The Indian Council of Medical Research (IMCR) will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year, it said.
The governments in Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi have issued guidelines – similar to those followed during Covid-19 – to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to HMPV.
HMPV, first identified in 2001, is a respiratory infection that causes flu-like symptoms. It can affect people of all ages, although children below five years of age, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk.
HMPV Not New Virus, Majority Indians Immune To It: Experts
The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and most of the Indian population are immune to it, said health experts on Monday, even as the number of reported cases climbed to three in the country.
“HMPV is not a new virus. It has been part of the circulating flu virus in India for long. Hence, the majority of the Indian population has developed immunity against it,” Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor, Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS.
“HMPV is not a new virus. It commonly causes colds among children and also some adults. For self-limiting colds, we don’t do expensive tests to diagnose which specific virus it is due to. Therefore, the finding of this virus upon testing is not anything unusual or worrisome,” Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, told IANS.
Key Features:
Symptoms:
- Mild cases resemble the common cold:
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Severe cases may lead to:
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
- Difficulty breathing
Transmission
- Spread occurs via respiratory droplets (e.g., coughing, sneezing) or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
- Seasonal peaks typically occur in late winter and spr
At-Risk Groups:
- Infants and young children
- Elderly individuals
- Immunocompromised patients
- Those with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease)
Diagnosis:
- Diagnosed using molecular tests, such as RT-PCR, to detect hMPV RNA.
- Rapid antigen tests and serological tests may also be used.
Treatment:
- No specific antiviral treatment for hMPV.
- Management focuses on supportive care:
- Hydration
- Fever reduction (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Supplemental oxygen in severe cases
Prevention:
- Hand hygiene (washing hands frequently)
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
Research:
- Vaccines are under development but are not yet available.
- Studies focus on understanding hMPV’s role in co-infections with other respiratory viruses, like RSV and influenza.