Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was discovered in 2001 and has been in the human population for a long time, according to WHO. It is a common virus that circulates throughout the winter and spring. It usually causes respiratory symptoms that are similar to the common cold.
According to data from a 2021 Lancet Global Health article, HMPV is responsible for 1% of acute lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children under the age of 5. There is currently no vaccination or effective drug against HMPV, so treatment is primarily focused on symptom management.
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The CDC states that “children, immunocompromised populations, and the elderly are susceptible, and they are more probable to be co-infected with other respiratory viruses.” HMPV frequently produces normal cold symptoms such as coughing, fever, nasal congestion, and wheezing, but it can also cause bronchitis and pneumonia in severe cases.
Soumya Swaminathan, former head scientist at WHO, stated
In a social media post on Monday, Soumya Swaminathan, former head scientist at WHO, stated that HMPV is nothing to worry about. “It is a well-known virus that causes minor respiratory illnesses. Rather than jumping to conclusions about every virus, we should all take standard measures when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash our hands, avoid crowds, and see a doctor if we have severe symptoms,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dr Manish Mittal, Consultant Surgeon at Bhailal Amin General Hospital in Vadodara, has informed us that HMPV is a respiratory virus discovered in 2001 that causes upper and lower respiratory illnesses. The virus can infect humans of any age, but young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable. The virus is a member of the Pneumoviridae family and affects the respiratory tract, much like the Respiratory Syncytial Virus does. HMPV infections typically last 3 to 6 days, advancing from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress.
HMPV is less contagious than COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and it belongs to other viral families, but its symptoms frequently overlap with those of other respiratory diseases, such as the flu. Cold-like symptoms include coughing, runny nose, fever, and nasal congestion. In severe situations, it causes wheezing, breathing problems, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
HMPV can infect anyone, but infants, the elderly, and people with low immune systems or pre-existing respiratory illnesses such as asthma or COPD are most vulnerable.
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