Human Metapneumovirus – HMPV

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently caught everybody’s curiosity due to increasing cases and social media rumors creating much concern. IT is a RNA virus that causes respiratory illness. Even though the virus is not a new entity, It is nothing new, It has already been circulating all over the world and it is one among the common causes of COMMON COLD. In fact, HMPV ranks among the primary viruses causing infections within the respiratory System.

 

If you are a Neonate, geriatric or if  your immunity is very poor or if you are going through any respiratory diseases or if you have existing long term respiratory problems you need to be alert not only for this HMPV but for other viruses too.

 

HMPV thus far has only manifested in sporadic and localized outbreaks. The first two cases in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, could only be observed and need not panic since HMPV, unlike the emerging viral threat of COVID-19, has been within the family of respiratory viruses for decades. 

In essence, it is a potential threat in a healthcare setting to those immunocompromised persons as well as those pediatric and geriatric populations who happen to be weak and thus a threat in a health care setting.

 

Severity of HMPV:

HMPV is somewhat mild in the majority of them, an everyday cold. Though at times causes severe respiratory disease in:

Children less than 14 years old: Hospitalization occurs due to acute respiratory symptoms

Elderly patients (>65 years old): The disease manifests with worsening pre-existing chronic illnesses, like COPD or asthma

Immunocompromised patients: Such patients who receive anticancer treatments or those that have undergone an organ transplant have a higher likelihood of complications like pneumonia.

 

Most cases resolve within a period of one to two weeks. The serious cases would require hospitalization, mostly among the frail individuals.

 

HMPV Vs COVID-19:

Knowing the differences reduces panic reactions that otherwise would have been prevented and makes for sagacious decision-making.

 

Although both HMPV and COVID-19 are droplet-transmitted respiratory viruses, they are not alike in type or severity. A few differences between the two viruses are:.

 

Severity: HMPV, in general, is milder in the respiratory symptoms that it produces, and systemic complications are not to be expected, though it’s still not likely.

On the other hand, COVID-19 falls within the range of manifestations, and its consequences are more probable to be grave.

 

Rate of Transmission: HMPV is less infectious than COVID-19 since the latter is highly transmissible with fast population movement.

 

Symptoms: 

HMPV primarily affects the respiratory system. Common presentations of this disease are cold-like symptoms, cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever. Whereas severe cases  symptoms include difficulty breathing, pneumonia, wheezing, bronchiolitis or any other symptoms causes more effect on your respiratory or immunity. Manifestations of COVID-19 vary in many body systems and can be different or even serious.

 

Availability of Vaccine: No vaccine for HMPV is reportedly known to date. However, vaccines exist for COVID-19, and its appearance has dramatically reduced the worldwide impact of this disease.

First Cases Recorded:

Global: Human Metapneumovirus was isolated for the first time in the Netherlands in the year 2001. According to Van den Hoogen and others, she first isolated the Human Metapneumovirus among children suffering with respiratory disease.

 

India: As per INDIAN COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH (ICMR) The cases first emerged in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and additionally a case has been reported in Gujarat, thus brought the virus into the Indian health narrative. ICMR quickly responded and took some precautionary measures to curb the spreading. The Health Ministry is monitoring the situation and expanding testing and surveillance. stating that the virus was already present in the country.

 

Till now Hospitals have not reported any unusual surge in respiratory illness cases.

How HMPV Transmits:

HMPV is mainly spread through respiratory secretions like most respiratory viruses. The ways of transmission include:

 

Direct contact: The act of embracing, kissing or hand-shaking with an infected person

 

Droplet respiratory: Sneezing and coughing produces droplets remaining in the air and contain the virus.

 

Contact with a contaminated surface: Patients touching their mouth, nose, or eyes with an infected patient’s hands.

 

This HMPV is relatively slower than other viruses, such as COVID-19. However, its risk of transmission is much higher, especially by direct contact and specifically during crowded space or areas that are less ventilated.

 

Prevention:

Prevention is better than cure – remembering this say once again to take precautionary measures.

 

Washing your hands regularly

Drink lots of water

Wear a mask in crowded areas.

Maintain a safe distance from affected people.

Taking good food to improve your gut health.

Clean disinfected areas thoroughly

 

Avoid unnecessary traveling Stay home – Stay safe.