Surge in HMPV Cases
A flu-like viral disease, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), has seen a significant rise in China, particularly affecting children, sparking concerns over its spread.
India has also reported cases amid the winter season, typically when respiratory illnesses increase.
The surge in cases since early December has raised global health worries, five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began in China. Both the Chinese government and the World Health Organization (WHO) have worked to ease fears in recent days.
What is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that leads to flu or cold-like symptoms. The virus typically peaks during late winter and early spring, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. Identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, HMPV is common, infecting nearly every child by age five.
To test for HMPV, mucus is collected from the nose or throat with a swab, similar to COVID testing, with lab analysis typically performed using RT-PCR or antigen tests.
How is HMPV Transmitted?
HMPV spreads through the nose, mouth, or eyes, often through inhaling droplets from infected people coughing, sneezing, or breathing, or from touching contaminated surfaces. These transmission methods are similar to those of the common cold, flu, and other respiratory viruses.
What Does HMPV Do to the Body?
Once HMPV enters the body, it attaches to epithelial cells in the respiratory tract, including the airways and lungs. These cells help protect the respiratory system and clear mucus and debris. The virus replicates within these cells, spreading to neighboring cells. The immune system then responds with inflammation, causing symptoms like nasal congestion and coughing. In northern China, cases of HMPV among children under 14 have risen, especially during the colder winter months when respiratory infections are more common.
Global Response to HMPV
In response to the surge in cases, China’s National Disease Control and Prevention Administration is testing a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin. Other countries, including India and the UK, have reported an uptick in HMPV cases since late 2024. India has reported seven confirmed cases in multiple states, while the UK saw a slight increase in HMPV-positive lab samples during late December.
The Impact of HMPV
Though HMPV spreads easily, it is generally not deadly for healthy individuals, with the WHO emphasizing that the virus has a low mortality rate. Most people experience mild symptoms resembling a cold or flu and recover within seven to ten days. However, in low-resource settings with limited healthcare access, HMPV-related deaths have been more common. Additionally, severe respiratory complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia can arise in high-risk groups like infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of HMPV Infection
Symptoms typically appear within three to six days and include:
Cough
Fever
Nasal congestion
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Sore throat
Vulnerable groups may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms.
How Can HMPV Infection Be Treated?
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, such as using fever reducers, staying hydrated, and getting rest. Severe cases, particularly those involving pneumonia or significant breathing difficulty, may require hospitalization and supportive care like oxygen therapy.
