All you need to know about another virus from China – HMPV

Several social media handles on X reported that due to circulation of multiple viruses including HMPV, Covid-19 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, hospitals, crematoriums and other public health infrastructure was getting overwhelmed, forcing the Chinese Government to declare a health emergency

Hyderabad: Reports of surging Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in northern parts of China, and rapidly spreading across Asia, are raising concerns among experts and people in general. Videos and images circulating on social media outlets depicting overcrowded hospitals, public spaces and masked people struggling to access healthcare in China, is further fueling public apprehension.

Several social media handles on X reported that due to circulation of multiple viruses including HMPV, Covid-19 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, hospitals, crematoriums and other public health infrastructure was getting overwhelmed, forcing the Chinese Government to declare a health emergency.

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However, Community Notes on social media X later clarified that ‘There is no information to back-up claims that China has declared a state of emergency over epidemics overwhelming the hospitals and crematoriums in the country”.

So far, on its part the World Health Organization (WHO) has not given any specific statement/clarification on the issue. However, there are reports that have claimed that the Chinese health authorities had confirmed the spread of the cases of HMPV in the northern parts of China. Quoting news agency Reuters, some reports have said that cases of HMPV were rising in China and the country is also witnessing rise in other viral infections.

What is HMPV?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States, HMPV can cause upper and lower respiratory disease in people of all ages, especially among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.  Discovered in 2001, HMPV is in the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Symptoms

Cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

Clinical symptoms could progress to bronchitis or pneumonia.

Incubation period is 3 to 6 days, and duration of illness will depend on severity

How it spreads?

• Coughing and sneezing
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• Touching objects/ surfaces that have viruses on them and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes

Prevention

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Patients with cold-like symptoms should cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
• Cough etiquette

Treatment

 At present, t about another virus from China – HMPVhere is no specific antiviral therapy.