China is reportedly observing another pathogenic outbreak after COVID-19, with the rise of human metapneumovirus cases. Video footage on social media shows overcrowded hospitals, claiming the surge of multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, COVID-19, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. 

What is HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is one of the common causes of respiratory tract infections (RTI) among children and the elderly. The virus causes upper and lower respiratory infections and shows regular flu-like symptoms. Children under 5 and adults over 65 may suffer from pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory issues due to their poor immunity levels.

The virus is classified under the Metapneumovirus genus, which belongs to the Pneumovirus subfamily and the Paramyxoviridae family. The Metapneumovirus genus has two species—metapneumovirus hominins, or human metapneumovirus, and Metapneumovirus avis, or avian pneumovirus—both liable to induce respiratory dysfunctions in animals. However, HMPV is the only virus within the Metapneumovirus genus that infects humans. 

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HMPV was first identified by Dutch scientists in 2001, but it has been circulating among humans for more than 50 years. 

Causes of HMPV

All viral diseases are contagious, and HMPV is not an exception. People can get it from direct or close contact with an infected person. The virus spreads through contaminated secretions like saliva, phlegm, droplets, and large particle aerosols. Touching a surface or object contaminated with the pathogen with hands and later using them to wipe the mouth or nose may conduct the virus into the body.

HMPV also shows the same seasonal bias as other flu viruses. It thrives in cold seasons; therefore, HMPV infections are more common during winter and early spring.

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Signs and Symptoms of HMPV

While HMPV can be completely asymptomatic for young adults ranging from 5 to 40 years old, younger children and elders over 65 can get very sick. Symptoms for regular cases are not threatening and mostly mild, like

- Coughing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea

The conditions of severely infected patients can worsen, showing symptoms of pneumonia, asthma, and other bronchial diseases. In fewer cases, signs of middle ear infection have been found among patients with a prior compromised immune system.

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Serious HMPV symptoms include:

- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Suffocacy
- Fatigue
- Bronchitis
- Chest infection
- Pneumonia
- Asthma attack

Mild symptoms usually disappear in two to five days. It is recommended to see a doctor if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks or worsen.

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How to Prevent HMPV

Scientists are yet to develop a preventive vaccine for HMPV. To lower the risks of infection, people should raise awareness and practice preventive measures, like:

- Keeping a safe distance from infected individuals
- Forming a habit of washing hands before eating or touching the face
- Putting on a musk and a pair of hand gloves while being outside of the home
- Covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Cleaning hands and daily accessories with sanitizer after sneezing or coughing
- Avoiding touching hand railing and door knobs in a public place with bare hands
- Taking a bath and washing clothes after spending a long time outside.

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Diagnosis and Treatment of HMPV

Doctors can use different approaches to detect HMPV infection, including blood culture and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), antigen detection, and serologic testing. The NAAT test is the most accepted and practiced method among them.

For treating HMPV patients, doctors may prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. However, with proper rest and care, most symptoms go away within a few days. 

To ease upsetting symptoms, patients can

- Take OTC painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- Use inhalers to alleviate asthmatic symptoms and difficult breathing issues
- Use nasal drops and decongestants to get rid of runny nose.

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Cautions

With the usual flu-like symptoms of HMPV infection, it’s not possible to detect it without involving lab support. Patients often mistake the symptoms and take antibiotic medication without consulting a doctor. It is notable that antibiotic medications are for bacterial infections and are not effective against viruses like HMPV. Taking them carelessly may damage the immune system.

Conclusion

Human metapneumovirus is a rising concern in China and the region. Despite the mildness of its impact on young adults, preventive measures should be taken to protect vulnerable children and adults.

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