Explained: HMPV Outbreak, COVID Era To Return? Or A Usual Occurrence

With the  Indian and Chinese governments assuring their respective countries of no serious threat, an outbreak of HMPV has raised the eyebrows of people globally. 

The rising cases of HMPV have served as a poignant reminder of the disastrous covid period, with the cases being recorded over the past few weeks. 

Social media images and videos bear witness to crowded Chinese hospitals due to respiratory illnesses caused by a virus called Human Metapneumovirus. Human Metapneumovirus causes transmittable respiratory diseases similar to COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. 

Notably, neither the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in China, the World Health Organization, nor Indian authorities have declared any emergency stage. 

What Is The Current Situation

While China has not made any information public, neighboring countries have begun to report the number of cases as the HPMV outbreak has found its way to other East Asian countries.

Also Read: HMPV Virus: 8-Month-Old Baby Becomes India’s First Case of HMPV In Bengaluru

According to Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 94,259 flu patients were reported in the week leading up to December 15. The total number of cases in Japan is presently recorded as 718,000.

What Is Human Metapneumovirus

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections (like a cold). It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.

An important point to note is that, unlike SARS-CoV, HMPV is a relatively old virus discovered in 2001. A Dutch researcher found it in the nasopharyngeal sample of children who complained of respiratory issues. 

However, Serological studies claim it to existed for almost 60 years. 

How Similar It Is SARS-CoV-2

Both the diseases are infectious and cause respiratory illness. COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-Cov-2. HMPV virus and SARS-CoV-2 virus hail from different virus families. However, they are similar in the ways given below. 

• Both viruses cause respiratory issues, with young children, older people, and people with weak immune systems being the most vulnerable to the viruses.
• Symptoms of both viruses are almost similar. Symptoms like cold, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath are common symptoms of HMPV and COVID-19.
• Both Viruses are contagious, meaning they can easily get transferred to others from the infected person through secretion from coughing, sneezing, and close personal contact.
• As per Science Direct, COVID-19 is temperature sensitive, hence seasonal. HMPV is also seasonal and surges in distinct seasons, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said.
• Preventive measures, like hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and social distancing, are similar to those for COVID-19 .

Where India Stands

On Saturday i.e. January 4, the Health Ministry said that India is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and has also requested the WHO to share timely updates. As a preventive step, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV cases will be increased, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will track HMPV trends throughout the year. A meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services, took place on Saturday to discuss the matter.

Should India Be Worried

Dr Atul Goel of Health Services assures that there is nothing in the current situation to be alarmed about. He said that they had analyzed the respiratory outbreaks within the country and there was no substantial increase in the data in 2024. Talking to a new agency, he said requested people to take general precautions like in COVID-19.

As India confirms its first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a 8-month-old baby from Bengaluru, Karnataka, the fact that there is currently no vaccine against HMPV like COVID-19 is worrisome. Antiviral treatment is not recommended. However, preventive measures are recommended.