Human metapneumovirus(HMPV) is a recent outbreak that is characterized by symptoms resembling to that of a cold. Coughing, wheezing, fever, soreness in the throat, continuously runny nose are some symptoms that HMPV boasts.
This virus majorly targets the young population, especially children under the age of 5 years and adults over the age of 65. For people falling in between these age ranges, catching this disease is still possible and usually results in mild symptoms.
As of early reports, HMPV saw an outbreak in China, since mid-December of 2024, creating an urgency for the health ministries globally.
Breakdown On Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
HMPV is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome virus carrying similar symptoms to the common cold. Often, these viruses lead to upper respiratory infections.
However, rise in the severity or intensity might lead to lower respiratory diseases like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
The incubation period of this virus is about 3-6 days, which is a short enough duration to cause large and frequent transmission.
Symptoms Of HPMV
The major areas, HPMV transfers is through droplet exchange, led by sneezing or coughing. Likewise, shaking hands, hugging or kissing, coming in contact with contaminated surfaces and objects like tables, door knobs, handles, keys may cause transmission of HMPV.
Moving on to a detailed breakdown of the symptoms, the following are observed:
- Excessive coughing
- Fever (usually mild)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Soreness in the throat
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing sound while sleeping or breathing
- Rashes
HMPV is not a dangerous virus as confirmed by officials. Furthermore, countries are more than capable to handling this disease in situations an outbreak is registered.
Risk Factors Associated With Human Metapneumovirus Transmission
While anyone can contract HMPV, certain groups are more likely to experience severe symptoms, including:
- Newborns under five years especially preterm, and elderly people above sixty-five years.
- People with latent health issues such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant receivers, those suffering from autoimmune disorders, or persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs.
- Patients with co-existing illnesses in their respiratory system, including a history of asthma, or COPD.
HMPV Condition In Nepal
Speaking of the potential Nepalese sources, the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division stated it intends to include hMPV testing in respiratory illness patients. This initiative seeks to establish whether there is virus transmission within those communities this winter.
As per health officials, its existence can not be confirmed without testing. While hMPV infections are not adventitious to Nepal and have been earlier detected in Nepal, the division will now concentrate to analyze samples from patients presenting with ILI and that are negative for influenza viruses.
Nepal hasn’t yet reported any case of HMPV in relation to the recent China outbreak. Medical bodies like Ministry Of Health And Population also suggest that there citizens need not worry and panic over this virus. Nepal has the capacity to manage and monitor this virus as per their briefings!
Global Cases And Updates
The cases in China have been rising since the new year if 2025, however thus virus isn’t considered a major threat yet. Reports suggest this Chinese outbreak is less severe and spreads with a smaller scale compared to the previous year.
Neighboring country India has seen few cases already. A detailed breakdown of which is presented below:
- In Karnataka two such cases were reported but regarding Bengaluru they were two. A three-month-old female infant with bronchopneumonia was positive for HMPV, and the child was discharged home after the baseline condition was improved. An eight-month-old male infant presented with similar complaints on January 3, he tested mRNA positive and is recovering now.
- Till date in India only two children in Tamil Nadu confirmed to be affected by HMPV in Chennai are receiving treatment in two different hospitals.
- Gujarat reported two cases. A two-month-old male infant from Dungarpur Rajasthan presented on 24 December 24, 2024 in Ahmedabad with respiratory illness and coronavirus was positive for HMPV. Virus affected an eight year boy in Himmatnagar.
- Three cases have been reported from Maharashtra. Two children had confirmed HMPV infection in Nagpur. In Mumbai also, there was only one case reported, but the rest of the details are still awaited.
- Uttar Pradesh was one case in Lucknow, a 60-year-old woman was confirmed to be infected with HMPV.
- West Bengal had one case in Kolkata but more details into this are still being awaited.
There is no current treatment to HMPV and prevention, sanitation and caution are the best ways to stay away from this. Human Metapneumovirus was first detected in 2001, however the history if this virus dates back to 60 years of existence.
