What we know about the HMPV virus outbreak

Emma Clarke and Kate Ng
Updated ·3-min read
A young woman doctor studies the Covid-19 vaccine in the lab
Cases of HMPV in China have surged in recent weeks. (Getty Images)

As cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have recently increased in China, Indian authorities are also ramping up monitoring for cases of the respiratory virus by carrying out more testing.

India has reported at least five cases of the virus among people who have not travelled internationally, which indicates they are unrelated to the recent surge of cases in China. Cases have also been reported in Malaysia and Kazakhstan.

Prakash Abitkar, minister of health for Maharashtra in the Kolhapur district of India, said authorities have been "aware that this virus has been around for a while" and reassured the public that "surveillance is underway".

"Hence, let us stay positive and not panic,” he told The Indian Express.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the latest report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, published on January 2, states that, as expected for this time of year, there is a month-over-month increase of acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, RSV and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

On Friday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning also commented: “Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season. The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year."

A representative from the UK Health Security Agency told Yahoo UK that its surveillance indicates that HPMV levels are consistent with what is typically seen this time of year.

Here's what we know about the virus – including symptoms, how it is spread and how to prevent infection.

Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV, was first identified in 2001 and is a respiratory virus with symptoms similar to the common cold or flu. But in some instances, it can lead to more serious symptoms and even result in pneumonia or bronchitis.

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Those with weakened immune systems, such as elderly people, children and infants, are more susceptible to the disease, and it accounts for roughly 10-12% of respiratory illness among children, as per the Cleveland Clinic.

WHO also states that those with pre-existing lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, are at higher risk of severe outcomes.

Respiratory diseases like HMPV tend to be more prolific during the winter months, and is spread through coughing, sneezing and coming into contact with an infected person or contaminated surface.

  • High temperature or fever

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Sore throat

  • Fatigue

  • Diarrhoea

  • Nausea

  • Rash

  • Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Bronchitis

  • Pneumonia

  • Asthma flare-ups

To reduce the risk of infection, WHO recommends staying home when ill, following medical advice regarding care, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or bent elbow, practicing regular handwashing, and getting recommended vaccines as advised by one's physician and local public health authorities.

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At the moment, there is no specific treatment for HMPV, but you can manage your symptoms by getting plenty of rest and having lots of fluids. Those with severe symptoms may be put on a course of steroids to reduce inflammation and help with chesty coughs, or oxygen therapy to help ease any breathing difficulties.

Unlike COVID-19, there is no vaccine for HMPV currently, but some of the symptoms – including a cough, runny nose and fever – are similar.

There is no indication that the current outbreak of HMPV will not be contained.

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