Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Infection

Why in News?

An outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has raised alarm globally.

• HMPV – It is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections (like a cold).
• It falls in the Pneumoviridae family along with RSV.

Pneumoviridae family includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps.

• Seasonal disease – It usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu.

• Risk factors – All age groups, especially among young children under the age of 14, older adults, & people with weakened immune systems.
  • Lung conditions such as Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) should be extra cautious.

• Transmission – Through bodily secretions from coughs, sneezes
• Close contact with an infected person such as shaking hands, hugging.
• Touching a doorknob or a phone or a keyboard that may be contaminated with the virus & then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
• Incubation period – 3 to 6 days.
• Symptoms – Cough, runny or blocked nose, sore, throat, fever and wheezing which progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.

• Treatment – There is currently no vaccine, and antiviral treatment is not recommended.
• Precautions – Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

India hadn’t registered any unusual spike in winter respiratory diseases.

Reference

The Hindu| Rise of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China