China HMPV virus outbreak: Just when the world was recovering from the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, another outbreak has created an epidemic-like situation in China. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading rapidly in the country. Reports suggest that China has declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak, although officials have not confirmed this. Videos circulating online show hospitals being overcrowded as viruses, including influenza A and mycoplasma pneumonia, surge.

Due to this, many questions have started arising in the minds of people about the virus, its treatment, symptoms and vaccine. Let us understand this better.

What is HMPV virus?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMV, has been one of the most commonly identified respiratory viruses for more than two decades. Dr Suleman Ladhani, pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central, explains, “It usually affects children under five years of age, the elderly and immunodeficient patients. The virus is most common in very young children under five years of age.” But it is also seasonal, peaking during certain types of weather conditions.”

Is there a vaccine available?

Dr. Suleman says, “Currently, there is no vaccine for HMV. Basic precautions and increased vigilance are the most effective control measures for this self-limited disease.”

There is no specific antidote or antiviral as it is self-limiting in most patients, explains Dr Bharesh Dedhia, intensive care consultant, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar, Mumbai. “It can turn into a lower respiratory tract infection or viral pneumonia and can be potentially serious. Those patients may need oxygen therapy, hospital or ICU admission. And sometimes, very rarely, it “Can also be fatal.”

How to Diagnose HMPV Virus?

To diagnose this virus, your doctor will complete a physical and patient history. To diagnose HMPV as a source of respiratory infection, your doctor may order laboratory tests to confirm the type of virus causing your illness. In cases too severe to require hospitalization, doctors may perform a bronchoscopy where a small, flexible camera is inserted into the lungs. A sample of fluid is removed from this to test for the virus.

hmpv symptoms

In most people, it is a self-limited disease that will resolve on its own without specific treatment. However, in some sensitive populations, such as young children and the elderly, complications such as pneumonia may occur. Basic symptoms include common cold or flu symptoms, including mild fever, runny nose, and cough.

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