HMPV in India – A new public health threat?

HMPV in India – A new public health threat?
January 21 09:04 2025 Print This Article

Summary

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily infects the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms similar to the common cold. These symptoms include cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fatigue. In severe cases, HMPV can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or asthma flare-ups, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, and contaminated surfaces. In India, while only a few cases have been reported recently, the government has issued advisories to prepare for potential outbreaks, emphasizing vigilance without panic. First identified in 2001, HMPV is common during winter and early spring. Although most infections are mild and resolve with rest and hydration, severe cases may require oxygen therapy or hospitalization. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV, and antibiotics are ineffective. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through lab testing of nasal or throat swabs. Preventative measures include practicing good hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces, wearing masks, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home if symptomatic.

What is HMPV?

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that infects the upper respiratory tract in humans. It causes symptoms similar to a cold, but can aggravate and cause worse symptoms like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, asthma flare-ups and worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients. HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring, similar to the “flu”. It is a fairly common virus, and was first discovered in 2001, by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US. Some serologic studies suggest that the virus has been widespread in the human population since at least 1958. Although the virus is common, it can lead to severe illness requiring oxygen support or ventilation in rare cases, especially those with pre-existing respiratory illnesses. The virus poses elevated risk to infant and small children, the elderly and pregnant women. Raising awareness and practicing good hygiene preventatively is important to protect our vulnerable groups.

HMPV in India

The present cause of concern about HMPV is primarily due to a recent outbreak in China. The severity of the Chinese outbreak has raised some questions regarding whether it is a seasonal outbreak or due to a mutation in the virus. Chinese hospitals have been overwhelmed by the surge in infections leading to overcrowded hospitals and overwhelmed health infrastructure and staff. In India, the situation is still in its nascent stages, as we have only 3 confirmed cases of HMPV – 2 in Karnataka and 1 in Gujrat. All 3 HMPV patients in India are below the age of 3 years. The Indian Government has issued an advisory to all hospitals to prepare for potential infections of HMPV in the upcoming days. The general public has also been advised to follow Covid Handwashing protocols, mask up and stay home if symptomatic. The ICMR is also ramping up HMPV testing capabilities in labs across the country. There is still no need for panic, but it is advised to exercise caution, especially for people who routinely come in contact with vulnerable groups.

Symptoms of HMPV

According to infectious disease physicians, HMPV causes a range of symptoms that are similar to the common cold. These include:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Runny nose or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rashes
  • Fatigue
  • Body Pain
  • Ear Pain

More severe symptoms include:

  • Drop in blood oxygen saturation
  • Confusion and disorientation, and eventual loss of consciousness
  • Drop in blood pressure

It is difficult to distinguish between regular respiratory infections and an HMPV infection without testing, so if you or your child has these symptoms, it is best to stay home to avoid spreading the infection. Pneumonia and Asthma can complicate HMPV, aggravating the patient’s difficulty breathing, and resulting in respiratory failure.

Transmission of HMPV

HMPV spreads within the population through direct contact with contaminated surfaces and through airborne droplets. For instance, a person could contract HMPV through hugging, shaking hands with or kissing an infected person. They could also get it by touching surfaces like doors, phones, keyboard or toys touched by another infected person. Directly coughing or sneezing into the airspace shared by many people can also result in the spread of the infection. Children below the age of 5 and elderly people are most vulnerable to HMPV infections.

Diagnosis of HMPV

HMPV is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms, a personal medical history and a lab test. The test is performed by swabbing the back of the throat or nose using a soft-tipped stick to collect a sample. This sample is tested for the HMPV virus to confirm the diagnosis. Normally, patients do not get tested for HMPV unless the symptoms become severe. However, in the light of recent outbreaks of HMPV that may change. Healthcare providers mat also perform a bronchoscopy or chest X-rays to look for complications in the lungs and airways.

Treatment of HMPV

HMPV infections normally clear up with the natural action of the immune system in otherwise healthy adults, with rest and fluids. Treatment in such cases is geared towards providing symptomatic relief. Patients may be prescribed a decongestant, lozenges for sore throat and over-the-counter medication for pain management. Patients with wheezing and coughing may be given a temporary inhaler to ease symptoms. Most patients are able to manage their symptoms at home until they recover from the infection.

There are no antiviral medications to treat HMPV. Antibiotic medication does not work on the HMPV infection either. In case of very severe symptoms, the patient will have to be taken to the hospital and admitted. They may be given oxygen through a tube or mask in case they have difficulty breathing. Patients may also be given IV fluids for hydration and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Is there a vaccine for HMPV?

At present, we do not have a vaccine to safeguard ourselves against HMPV. Research is on-going to formulate a vaccine, and we hope to have a vaccine for HMPV in the future.

What should I do if I suspect my child has HMPV?

If your child has symptoms that are similar to the common cold, you may suspect that they have HMPV. In such cases, consult your child’s pediatrician immediately. Keep your child at home, to avoid spreading the infection to their friends at school. If you have elderly grandparents at home, keep your child away from the grandparent. Emphasise the importance of washing hands and avoiding touching unnecessary surfaces to your child. Try to get them to stay in bed and keep sanitising anything they touch, such as plates, spoons, toys, towels and bedsheets. Wear a mask whenever you enter their room, and if possible, get the child to do it too. Keep the child’s room well-ventilated. There is no need to panic, as the chances of your child making a smooth recovery at home is very good. However, it is advisable to monitor their symptoms every hour. If their symptoms get worse, call the pediatrician immediately and inform them of the situation. If necessary, they will tell you when to bring the child to the hospital. Until then, stay calm and keep the child at home.

Precautions to protect yourself from HMPV

The good news is that HMPV is not as contagious as Covid-19. However, it spreads in a similar way, and many of the precautions we must take to protect ourselves are already familiar to us:

Wash your Hands – This cannot be overstated. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Make sure you wash for at least 30 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and running water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Avoid Touching your face – Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Infections can spread from your hands to your face. If you have HMPV, it can spread to your hands from droplets in your nose and mouth, and then spread to others in your community.

Disinfect Surfaces – Make sure that surfaces you touch often are disinfected regularly – in your home, school or workplace. This includes door knobs, tables, elevator controls, staircase railings, phones, TV/AC remotes, toys, books and light switches.

Avoid sharing Personal Items – Avoid sharing utensils, towels and drinking glasses with any infected patients.

Wear a mask – Wearing a mask is good practice to protect yourself against airborne diseases and dust when you are outdoors. It is also advisable in crowded places. If you are infected, you must definitely wear a mask to avoid spreading the infection to those around you.

Stay Home if you’re sick – If you have any common cold symptoms, it is better to stay home. Try to avoid contact with people, even in your home. Take rest and hydrate so you can get better quickly.

If you’re seeking medical advice or treatment options for HMPV, contact Kauvery Hospital: a trusted healthcare provider with branches across Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care for each of our patients. Prevention is the key – stay informed, stay safe.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801