This is a virus typical of human metapneumovirus which is usually causing symptoms similar to the common cold by coughing or wheezing, a runny nose, or a sore throat. Most infections are mild but at higher risk for serious illness are children, adults older than 65, as well as those whose immune systems are compromised in some capacity. HMPV is widely spread as nearly every person has it before the age of five.
What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that typically causes symptoms similar to those of the common cold. It commonly causes upper respiratory infection but may also cause lower respiratory infection such as the following: pneumonia, asthma attacks, or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What are HMPV symptoms?
Common symptoms are cough, fever, nasal obstruction, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Severe symptoms can also occur in children, adults over 65, and individuals who have breathing problems or are immunodeficient. Symptoms of human metapneumovirus infection may include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Dyspnea
- Fever
- Stuffiness
- Nasal discharge
- Rash
Key Facts of HMPV:
- Children, immunocompromised individuals and the elderly are at greater risk for HMPV-related complications.
- hPMV spreads through close physical contact with an infected person or by contact with a contaminated surface.
- hMPV usually produces symptoms similar to the common cold, which can last approximately 2-5 days, and usually improves spontaneously.
- Most children affected by hMPV are 5 years or younger. A few of the infected children (5% – 16%) will go on to develop lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.
Who is at risk?
HMPV is responsible for causing upper and lower respiratory diseases in all patients but is more prevalent in children and also has its greatest severity in the elderly as this population increasingly manifests bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia. People with a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and any other unrelated lung disease will have no increased probability of developing the disorder. However, after having the disease, they are at higher risks of developing complications such as wheezing, recurrent cough, or shortness of breath after a simple upper respiratory tract infection.Increased symptoms may result from lung diseases. It is also true for immune-compromised people, which includes patients on chemotherapy as well as post-organ transplant patients.
When to Visit the Doctor:
Most mild cases of HMPV infection do not require seeing a doctor – it will resolve on its own symptomatically managed at home. However, see a doctor for any worsening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a more severe cough, or any wheezing.
The Diagnosis of HMPV:
To diagnose a respiratory infection, the doctor conducts physical examination and history taken from the patient. To confirm that HMPV exists in an individual with respiratory infection, laboratory tests are usually ordered by the doctor to classify the type of virus causing the infection.Table trails include such severe cases of hospitalized patients in which the doctor would have performed bronchoscopy – inserting a small flexible camera into the lung and taking a sample of fluid to check for viruses.
Treatment of HMPV:
Treatment is in general symptomatic because usually infection due to HMPV resolves by itself. This involves over-the-counter pain and fever medications (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) in conjunction with a decongestant. Patients with wheezing and coughing severe enough that they may benefit from using an inhaler usually require that inhaler to include an inhaled corticosteroid. In certain cases, your doctor might prescribe an oral medication such as prednisone as stronger treatment.
Ways of Preventing HMPV:
Best infection preventers are touch guard and proper washing of hands since HMPV is by contact. Avoid contact with infected individuals and frequently wash your hands. If you suspect you might have been infected, cover your mouth when you cough, avoid any touch or sharing of possibly infected items, and wash your hands thoroughly.
People suffering from chronic lung diseases like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis must always ensure protection from infections like HMPV, flu, or any other contagious diseases. Besides, all the vaccines should be kept up-to-date.
Evolution:
Human metapneumovirus was first described in 2001 while avian metapneumovirus has reportedly existed since the 1970s. There are at least four lineages of human metapneumovirus: A1, A2, B1, and B2. Avian metapneumovirus is classified into four groups: A, B, C, and D. According to Bayesian estimates, human metapneumovirus emerged about 119 to 133 years ago and differed from avian metapneumovirus around 1800.
How long can HMPV last?
The duration of infection by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) ranges from few days to a week for mild infections; in severe cases, it might take more time:
Mild: Usually resolves within 7–10 days for people of sound health
Severe: Takes longer to recover, particularly in high-risk groups, and may require hospitalization
Lingering symptoms: Cough or other may take time longer to resolve
HMPV is a seasonal respiratory virus occurring most commonly in late winter and early spring. It is highly infectious and spreads by:
Respiratory droplets: When an infected person breathes, speaks, sings, coughs, or sneezes
Direct contact: Touching an infected person, especially their face, eyes, or mouth
Contaminated surfaces: Touching objects like doorknobs or mobile devices
Treatment of HMPV is basically symptomatic and includes rest in bed, lots of fluids, and antipyretics. Contact your doctor if it exceeds two weeks or its severity increases.
Is there HMPV in India?
The Health Ministry, on January 6, 2025, announced that the Human Metapneumovirus was now circulating in India and globally. The report added that there were no travel histories amongst infections in India and that all cases were successfully healing. According to a report from India, three children have been confirmed to be suffering from human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which also causes respiratory distress among people. So an 8-month-old boy from Bengaluru and a 3-month-old girl have been confirmed with positive infections to the virus, said health authorities. Apparently, these children did not have an international history of travel.
Health Ministry Confirms Two HMPV Cases In India:Know Symptoms And Prevention
Just like the flu or common cold, the symptoms of HMPV also go hand in hand with those of the flu. An infected patient can cough, sneeze, or even make physical contact with a healthy person; thus, the disease can easily be transmitted from a sick person to another. Amid this surge in China, two people with metapneumovirus (HMPV) were diagnosed in Bengaluru, India. The first cases in India include an eight-month-old recovering in the hospital and a three-month-old who was discharged. HMPV is currently on the rise in China. From a social media post, there are several other viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, all circulating in China. It is pretty common on social media, recording several videos and posts showing hospitals overwhelmed with patients with respiratory illnesses. HMPV first described in 2001 was discovered to be a respiratory pathogen with flu-like symptoms. It can affect anyone, but young children, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems do have a higher risk.
The HMPV transmission:
HMPV contact with a person infected is how it spreads. Touching contaminated surfaces, coughing, sneezing, and shaking hands can spread the virus. If symptoms are severe, there may be a cough and wheezing and shortness of breath as well. These patients should be advised to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Treatment and vaccination:
At present, there does not exist a vaccine against HMPV. Treatment is mainly for symptom alleviation.
Tips to prevent HMPV:
These are ways that could reduce more the chances of contracting HMPV together with other respiratory illnesses:
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- When you cough or sneeze, always cover your mouth and nose.
- Consider wearing a mask and avoid those who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with hands that are not clean.
- Self-isolate when sick.
Differentiate between common cold and HMPV:
HMPV usually produces an illness as with the common cold, however, for high-risk groups, they may become very ill. The first-time infection by HMPV usually has more severe illness than reinfection by the virus, which presents milder symptoms.
Is HMPV equal to the COVID-19 virus?
The HMPV virus is indeed similar to the SARS-CoV-2 virus but both are infectious diseases that cause respiratory disease-causing outcomes in people of all ages. Young children, older adults, and adults with weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe illness with either of the two viruses. They both share without overlap all common flu-like symptoms: cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath that may be present as symptoms associated directly with HMPV but may also appear in a sample of people infected by the COVID-19 virus.
Science Direct mentioned that COVID-19 that just appears to be seasonal seems also temperature sensitive. Another such virus, according to the US CDC, is HMPV, which circulates within seasons every passing year. In fact, although it can be detected practically throughout the year, most cases usually peak in the United States from late winter to early spring.
The transmission mechanisms are secretions and contact. Both viruses most probably indeed use the infected person as a source of aerosol for secretions from coughing and sneezing close overlap of personal contact. They also distribute through the fomites—objects or surfaces on which the causative pathogens are present and the person subsequently touches his mouth, nose, or eyes.
Distributed by outbreak in Northeast Asia in 2024-present- Outbreak HMPV: Outbreak 2024-2025
During the week 16-22 December 2024, a drastic rise in respiratory infections was reported by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stating a link of 6.2 percent and 5.4 percent with positive respiratory illness tests due to human metapneumovirus to hospitalizations due to respiratory illness in China compared to COVID-19 and rhinovirus or adenovirus. According to a report by Kan Biao, head of the National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention in China CDC, the case rate of HMPV in the population lower than 14 years of age was increasing in China. Other HMPV infection cases can also be confirmed from countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India.
Human metapneumovirus in China: Is it comparable to Covid-19?
There are reports that China is dealing with situations similar to Covid-19. As stated, cases of human metapneumovirus or HMPV-a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms-have shown an increase among various populations in China. The country has made little noise concerning the gravity of the situation related to HMPV, with even videos and posts on social media showing an overstressed health system. The HMPV virus mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, although it can also cause infections that spread to the lower respiratory tract.
FAQs
Q: Does HMPV cause serious illness?
Ans: The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) epidemic has drawn the attention of the entire world, and India has reported three cases. The Health Ministry has shifted people into believing there is no need to panic over the virus. HMPV commonly affects all age groups, but it is more intense in patients aged less than 5, over 65, or having immunocompromised states.
Q: Is HMPV vaccine available?
Ans: Respiratory tract illness in children and elderly caused by human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) and no vaccine exists yet to license.
Q: Is HMPV a seasonal virus?
Ans: Human metapneumovirus, popularly known as HMPV, is a common respiratory virus that normally leads to upper respiratory infections such as colds. It is known to be seasonal and appears mostly in winter and early spring periods, much like RSV and the flu.