HMPV cases in China spark health crisis concerns: What we know about virus, its symptoms and cure

A surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases among children under 14 in China's northern provinces, coupled with unverified social media videos showing overcrowded hospitals, has raised fears of a potential health crisis. Data released last week showed a rising trend in respiratory infections, including HMPV, between December 16 and 22.

Amid rising infections, China's National Disease Control and Prevention Administration has launched a pilot system to monitor pneumonia of unknown origins. Officials aim to establish protocols for identifying and handling cases involving unfamiliar pathogens, a move seen as a proactive step following lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The system will include standardised reporting procedures for laboratories and verification processes for disease control agencies, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Meanwhile, India's National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union health ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies, reported ANI quoting people aware of the development.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly," ANI quoted unnamed officials as saying.

What is HMPV?

HMPV is a type of common respiratory virus and belongs to the pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It largely spreads during winter and spring. First identified over 20 years ago, HMPV has been linked to respiratory infections around the world for over five decades.

Symptoms of HMPV

Symptoms include fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Severe cases may lead to pneumonia, especially among high-risk groups. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact, or contaminated surfaces.

According to US CDC, the estimated incubation period is three to six days, and the median duration of illness can vary depending upon severity but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses.

Prevention and cure

Unlike COVID-19, HMPV lacks specific antiviral treatments or vaccines. Prevention measures such as regular handwashing, covering the mouth while coughing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals remain critical.

A respiratory expert from a Shanghai hospital has cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antiviral drugs to combat HMPV, reported Reuters.

Dr Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr Dangs Lab, said that HMPV usually shows symptoms similar to other respiratory viruses and if the outbreak isn't quickly controlled, it can put a lot of strain on the healthcare system.

"HMPV commonly manifests with symptoms akin to other respiratory viruses, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Severe cases can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in high-risk groups. The burden on the healthcare system can be significant if the outbreak is not swiftly contained," ANI quoted Dang as saying.

Dr Dang said that "Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing HMPV."