China HMPV Virus Outbreak: Just when the world was healing from the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, another outbreak has caused a pandemic-like situation in China. The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is spreading in the country rapidly. Reports suggest that China has declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak, although authorities have not confirmed this. Videos circulating online show overcrowded hospitals, as multiple viruses, including Influenza A, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are on the rise.

This has led to multiple questions being posed by people regarding the virus, its cure, symptoms, and vaccine. Let's understand this better.

What Is HMPV Virus?

Human Metapneumovirus, or HMV, is one of the most recognized respiratory viruses for more than two decades now. Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani, Pulmonologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, explains, "It typically affects children aged less than five years, the elderly, and patients with immunodeficiency. The virus is the most common among very young children under five years but is also seasonal, peaking during certain types of weather conditions."

Is There A Vaccine Available?

Dr Sulaiman says, "At present, there is no vaccine for HMV. Basic precautions and increased vigilance are the most effective control measures for this self-limiting illness."

Dr. Bharesh Dedhia, Consultant, Intensive Care, at P.D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Khar, Mumbai explains that there is no specific antidote or antiviral as it is self-limiting in most patients. "It can progress to a lower respiratory tract infection or a viral pneumonia and can be potentially serious. Those patients may need oxygen therapy, admission to the hospital or ICU. And Sometimes, very rarely, it can be fatal, too."

How To Diagnose HMPV Virus?

To diagnose this virus, your doctor will complete a physical and patient history. To further diagnose hMPV as the source of the respiratory infection, your doctor may order lab tests to confirm the type of virus causing your illness. In very few severe hospitalized cases, doctors may do a bronchoscopy where a small, flexible camera is inserted into the lung. With this, a sample of fluid is removed to test for viruses.

HMPV Symptoms

In most people, it is a self-limiting illness that will resolve on its own without specific treatment. However, in certain susceptible populations, like young children and the elderly, complications such as pneumonia can occur. The basic symptoms include those of common cold or flu, including mild fever, runny nose, and cough.

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