The discovery of the first case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India has raised concerns over the lack of precautionary measures at the Hili land port to prevent the potential spread of the virus into Bangladesh. Passengers traveling daily between India and Bangladesh via the land port are doing so without undergoing health screenings, raising concerns about the risk of transmission. Besides, numerous goods-laden trucks pass through the port daily, with drivers and helpers frequently crossing borders, further increasing the chances of the virus spreading. Health experts are on heightened alert given the timing of the HPMV outbreak, which started in China around the same time of the year in 2019-20.. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sneezing, resembling those of the common flu. Children and elderly individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the virus. First identified in the Netherlands in 2001, HMPV cases were reported among children in Cambodia between 2007 and 2009. Recently, two children in India were diagnosed with the virus, adding to concerns about its spread. Shyamal Chandra, a traveler at the Hili check-post, expressed his apprehension: “I’ve heard from various sources that a new virus, similar to COVID-19, has emerged. Although I’m anxious, I must travel to India for medical treatment. If immigration activities are suspended, it will cause significant problems for me, so I have no choice but to proceed.” Md. Ariful Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Hili Immigration Checkpoint, said, “We have recently become aware of the HMPV virus. Passengers traveling through the Hili check-post are being advised to wear masks and maintain health awareness as a precautionary measure. Further steps will be taken upon receiving instructions from higher authorities.” Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Iltutmis Akand explained, “HMPV is similar to the common flu, with symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sneezing. While children and the elderly may face more severe complications, there is no need to panic at this stage. The matter has been reported to higher authorities, and necessary measures will be implemented in due time.” India urges states to boost surveillance of HMPV cases Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 14 million lives were lost, and more than 400 million people were infected during the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of this, the emergence of HMPV has sparked public fear, particularly in areas like Hili, which experience significant human movement and trade. Authorities and health experts have been urging vigilance and timely action to prevent the virus from becoming a larger threat. What to know about HMPV Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. It is more common during winter and early spring and spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. HMPV Virus Outbreak: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Symptoms often include cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and fever. However, severe cases may lead to wheezing, breathing difficulties, hoarseness, or pneumonia. In vulnerable groups, such as infants under one year, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, HMPV can cause significant respiratory complications.    

In response to the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, India's federal health ministry has urged states to strengthen their monitoring of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI). During a review of respiratory illnesses in the country on Monday, the federal health secretary evaluated the existing public health measures for managing such infections. The health ministry stated that data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) shows no unusual rise in ILI or SARI cases across the country, a finding supported by sentinel surveillance data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Two cases of HMPV detected in India’s Karnataka HMPV is among the respiratory viruses that affect individuals of all ages, particularly during winter and early spring. Although infections are typically mild and self-limiting, most patients recover without complications. States have been advised to educate the public on preventive measures, including frequent handwashing with soap, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, and maintaining distance from individuals displaying symptoms.

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.  Read more: Should You Drink Hot or Cold Water? 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. Read more: How to Avoid Winter Weight Gain 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. Read more: How to Keep Your Baby Comfortable and Healthy While Using Air Conditioner or Cooler 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. Read more: How to Fix Your Sleep Routine: Know the Do's and Don'ts