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HMPV cases detected in India: Symptoms of the human metapneumovirus to treatment and preventive steps, News18 answers all your questions
HMPV: The WHO is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China. (News18 Hindi)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has detected two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, the Union health ministry said on Monday.
A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the ministry said. An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said. It is important to note that neither of the patients have any history of international travel, the ministry underlined.
ALSO READ | HMPV Virus Live Updates Here
It emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with it have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on the current data from the ICMR and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country, it added.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is already providing timely updates regarding the situation in China to further inform the ongoing measures.
From what is the human metapneumovirus to symptoms, treatment and preventive steps, News18 answers all your questions about the HMPV:
WHAT IS HMPV?
- According to the Cleveland Clinic website, a virus — a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself — causes human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
- It is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
- It is part of the same group of viruses that cause respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps. The peak age for severe illness from HMPV is between six and 12 months, but RSV is more likely to cause severe illness in infants younger than six months.
- HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring.
- Most people get HMPV before they turn 5. You can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection.
HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED?
HMPV spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus.
For instance:
- Coughing and sneezing
- Shaking hands, hugging or kissing
- Touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys.
WHAT ARE ITS SYMPTOMS?
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Rash
IS IT JUST A COLD?
Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. You’re more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. You get some protection (immunity) from your first infection and then are more likely to have mild, cold-like symptoms if you get another HMPV infection.
Adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.
HOW COMMON IS IT?
According to the Cleveland Clinic website, researchers estimate that around 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV. Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection like pneumonia.
WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?
- Those younger than 5 years (especially premature infants) or older than 65
- Those who have a weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV, cancer or autoimmune disorders, or from medications that suppress your immune system
- Have asthma or COPD.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
- High fever (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit /40 degrees Celsius)
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish skin, lips or nails (cyanosis)
- Worsening of other health conditions
- You or your child has symptoms of a respiratory infection and an underlying condition that puts you or them at an elevated risk for severe illness
- Your symptoms or your child’s symptoms don’t start to improve within a few days or if you or your child has a fever lasting longer than three days.
THE DIAGNOSIS AND COMPLICATIONS
Healthcare providers usually diagnose HMPV based on your symptoms and health history. They might use a soft-tipped stick (swab) to get a sample from your nose or throat. A lab tests the sample for viruses and other infections. Sometimes, your provider may also do a bronchoscopy or chest X-rays to look for changes in the airways of your lungs.
Sometimes HMPV causes complications such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma or COPD flare-ups and ear infection.
THE TREATMENT
There aren’t any antiviral medications. In case of severe complications, the patients may be given oxygen therapy, IV fluids and corticosteroids. Mild cases of HMPV usually last a few days to a week. If you’re very sick, it’ll probably take longer to feel better. You might also have lingering symptoms, like a cough, that take longer to go away.
TO PREVENT HMPV
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Cover your nose and mouth — with your elbow, not your bare hand — when you sneeze or cough
- Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with a cold or other contagious diseases
- Consider wearing a mask if you are sick
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth
- Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.
