First identified in 2001, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases reportedly spiked again earlier this year in the United States (US). The virus is said to cause both upper and lower respiratory infections in people, leading to symptoms that resemble a cold, flu, COVID-19, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
In a conversation with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sivaresmi Unnithan, Consultant Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur, Kolkata, sheds light on the viral disease, discusses its symptoms, and measures to prevent it.
What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
"Human Metapneumovirus is a type of virus that causes respiratory infections like pneumonia and infective flare-ups in asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)," says Dr Unnithan, adding that it belongs to Pneumoviridae, which is a family of viruses like RSV, measles, and mumps.
According to the doctor, it is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in winter and early spring.
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Research, published in the StatPearls Publishing, suggests HMPV usually occurs by the age of 5 years with reinfection that can occur throughout life, emphasising that it is more commonly found in the paediatric population, predominately in children less than 2 years of age with an average age of 22 months.
Understanding Upper And Lower Respiratory Infection
Our respiratory system is a complex network of organs and tissues that facilitate breathing. Besides the lungs, it includes airways and blood vessels.
The respiratory tract is divided into two parts: the upper respiratory tract, which consists of the nose, nasal cavity, and the pharynx, whereas the lower respiratory tract, that includes the larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs.
An upper respiratory tract infection occurs when viruses and bacteria affect the respiratory system via the nose, pharynx and nasal cavity. On the other hand, a lower respiratory infection occurs when the virus affects the lungs directly. This includes acute bronchitis, pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/chronic bronchitis (AECB), and acute exacerbation of bronchiectasis.
Common Symptoms Of HMPV
The symptoms of HMPV are similar to those of the common cold. Some of them include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Rash
If the infection is not treated on time, it may lead to serious complications like:
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
- Ear infection
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
How Does It Spread And Ways To Prevent It
Dr Unnithan says, HMVP is a contagious disease, which is why it spreads through direct contact with an infected individual or from touching things or surfaces like phones, keyboards, door handles, that are already contaminated with the virus.
According to the doctor, the virus mostly spreads through coughing, sneezing, shaking hands, or hugging. Therefore, preventive measures include:
- Washing hands regularly with soap
- Covering the nose and mouth with the elbow while sneezing
- Avoiding contact with people when you or others are sick with cold or other infectious diseases
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing a mask in public places, especially when there is a wave of viral cases
Human Metapneumovirus In India
Although India contributes to 18% of the world's population with severe respiratory infections, the presence of HMPV in India is comparatively lower than other viruses, says Dr Unnithan.
According to a study published in the Journal Frontiers Microbiology, the prevalence of HMPV in India was low compared to the other viruses until 2012, following which the number of positive cases rose slightly each year. It is said to be more prevalent in warmer regions, such as South and West India.