China is observing an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in its northern provinces particularly in children under 14 years of age. 

• India has not seen any case of the HMPV yet but is closely monitoring the situation in China.

About the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) 

• Family: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory tract virus of the Pneumoviridae family causing  mild infections similar to that caused by a common cold.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps are also members of the  Pneumoviridae family.
• Winter Disease: HMPV can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and is generally seen in winter and early spring. 
• Discovered: The Virus was first identified by scientists in 2001 by Bernadette G. van den Hoogen in Netherlands in the respiratory secretions of 28 young children
• Susceptibility: Children and the elderly and those with weakened immune systems (HIV) are more susceptible to the infection. 
  • An estimated 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. 
• Symptoms: The Infection shows symptoms resembling the common cold including, a cough, runny or blocked nose, sore, throat, fever and wheezing. 
  • Incubation Period: It is generally three to six days. 

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• Transmission: HMPV spreads through contact with an infected person like secretions from coughs, sneezes or even via touch, through close contact with someone with infection like  shaking hands, hugging, touching a doorknob or a phone or a keyboard 
• Complications: HMPV can cause complications when it gets serious resulting in hospitalisation.
  • Bronchiolitis; Bronchitis; Pneumonia; Asthma or COPD flare-ups; Ear infection (otitis media).
• Treatment: There is no vaccine as well as a specific antiviral to treat HMPV. Antibiotics will not work for HMPV.
  • Most people require over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain, possibly with a decongestant. 
• Diagnosis: Broader use of molecular diagnostic testing has increased identification and awareness of HMPV as an important cause of upper and lower respiratory infection.
• Prevention:
  • Adopt WASH Hygiene: Hygiene practices, such as handwashing, help prevent disease. Also personal hygiene practices like washing your feet, facial cleanliness, covering coughs and sneezes, and menstrual hygiene are important to stay away from infections
  • Maintain Distance: To avoid close contact with infected persons, avoid touching face, nose, eyes and mouth and wear a mask in their presence.
  • Caution: People with already existing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)  be extra cautious and protect themselves from infection.

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