HMPV outbreak in China: A few FAQs answered; here's all you need to know

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Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic, China is reportedly reeling under another respiratory virus - Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Several media reports and social media posts from the country suggest that there is an increase in respiratory infections in the country, including those caused due to HMPV, with some even claiming that hospitals are overwhelmed.

However, Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization have not raised concern or declared any emergency.

Data from the Chinese CDC, in late December, showed that "the positive rate of HMPV in cases aged 14 and below has recently fluctuated and increased", China's state broadcaster CCTV had reported.

What is HMPV and how does it affect the body?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV, discovered in 2001, comes in the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, serological studies have shown that it has existed in humans for more than 60 years and is distributed all over the world.

This virus can cause upper and lower respiratory issues.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

HMPV presents flu-like symptoms like cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.

According to the US CDC, clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.

The estimated incubation period is three to six days.

Which age group is most affected?

Although the virus can affect people of all age groups, it is most common in young children and the elderly.

According to the American Lung Association, though a history of asthma, COPD or any other lung disease does not make someone more likely to contract the illness, once they have it, these lung diseases can make symptoms more severe. This is also true for people with weakened immune systems.

How does HMPV spread?

HMPV is mainly transmitted through droplets or aerosols produced by coughing and sneezing. The Chinese CDC states that close contact with infected people and exposure to virus-contaminated environments may also cause transmission.

Is there a treatment for HMPV?

There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV.

Experts are also warning against using antivirals for HMPV.

According to IANS, in a recent interview with the state-backed National Business Daily, a respiratory expert at a Shanghai hospital warned the public against blindly using antiviral drugs to fight human metapneumovirus, for which there is no vaccine but whose symptoms resemble those of a cold.

What precautionary steps can one take to protect themselves from the virus?

Wear a mask when going to crowded places. Also, frequent hand washing, ventilation and scientific disinfection can effectively reduce the chance of HMPV infection.

While addressing the media, Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), India, recommended common precautionary steps against respiratory infections.

"If somebody has a cough and cold, you should avoid coming in contact with a lot of people so that the infection does not spread. Use a distinct handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing and take normal medicines that are required for cold or fever whenever it is there," he noted.

Does India need to worry?

While there is concern over the reported increase in HMPV infections in China, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the world five years back, Indian health officials have said that there is no cause of concern.

"The spread of HMPV in China is like any other respiratory virus. There is no need for alarm about the present situation," Dr Goel told the media, as reported by IANS.

He said there is any way an increased outbreak of respiratory virus infections in winter, for which hospitals are usually prepared with supplies and beds, further informing that there is "no significant increase in the December 2024 data on the respiratory outbreaks within the country".

Also Read: HMPV in China: Closely monitoring influenza cases in India, no need to be alarmed, says govt

Is it the new Covid-19 type virus outbreak?

While HMPV presents similar symptoms as Covid-19, there is no official statement yet on the nature of the reported outbreak in China. The World Health Organization has not raised any alarm or released any advisory as of now.

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.