Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually has similar symptoms to a cold. HMPV can cause upper or lower respiratory symptoms such as common cold, cough, fever, wheezing, high fever, chills, dehydration, difficulty in breathing, and running nose. It is more like any respiratory illness. HMPV causes common flu-like symptoms in elders and very young children. Also, HMPV causes bronchitis and pneumonia in infants and children.
How is HMPV spread?
- Through respiratory droplets, when an HMPV-infected person sneezes or coughs tiny droplets that contain the virus spread into the air. These droplets can inhaled by anyone.
- Through direct contact with the infected person like during handshake and then touching hands on your face, nose, and mouth.
- HMPV virus can survive on surfaces for short periods of time. If any contact with contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth non-infected person becomes infected.
Common symptoms
- Cough
- Running Nose
- Nasal Congestion
- Sore Throat
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Wheezing
- Difficulty Breathing
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
Who is at risk?
- Very Young Children
- Older Adults
- People with weakened immune systems
- A person with chronic lung diseases.
Dos and Don’ts for Managing Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
| Dos for Managing HMPV | Don’ts for Managing HMPV |
| Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if washing with soap and water is not possible. | Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. |
| Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and toys. | Avoid sharing towels, utensils, or toys. |
| Wear a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially during peak seasons. | Dispose of used tissues properly. |
| Isolate yourself if you are experiencing symptoms to prevent spreading the virus. | Seek medical advice promptly if you are unwell. |
| Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep. | Always consult a healthcare provider before taking medications. |
| Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. | Smoking and vaping weaken the lungs and make you more susceptible to severe respiratory infections. |
HMPV Cases in India
| Patient Location | Details | Status |
| Bengaluru | 2-month-old infant was admitted with respiratory illness | Cured |
| Bengaluru | 8 Months, Tested positive for both HMPV and RSV | Stable |
| Ahmedabad | 2 month old infant was admitted with respiratory illness | Cured |
| Chennai | Tested positive, under medical observation | Stable |
| Salem | Tested positive, under medical observation | Stable |
| Nagpur | Suspected cases ruled out as HMPV. | Stable |
| Tamil Nadu | Tested Positive | Stable |
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Virus vs Corona Virus
| HMPV Virus | Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) | |
| Virus Name | Human Metapneumovirus | Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 |
| Discovery | 2001 | 2019 |
| Symptoms | Spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact or indirect contact with an infected person. | Respiratory illness, including cough, fever, runny nose, and congestion. Bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and very young children. |
| Transmission | Spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or indirect contact with an infected person. | Spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces |
| Treatment | No specific antiviral treatment. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms | No specific antiviral treatment. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and supporting the body’s ability to fight the virus. |
| Prevention | Fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, skin rash. | Vaccines are available to help prevent infection and reduce the severity of illness. |
Dos and Don’ts For Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Virus
- If someone has a cough and cold, they should avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of infection.
- Use a separate hanky or towel for coughing or sneezing.
- Take the medicine required for a cold or fever as prescribed by a doctor.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Clean commonly used surfaces like doorknobs and toys.
- Stay indoors if you are sick.
- If you and your children show cold-like symptoms, practice good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid sharing utensils and other personal items with others.
- Avoid direct contact, such as shaking hands or hugging.
- Eat a balanced diet, get appropriate sleep, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid going to crowded places.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly to boost immunity.
Also Read: ICMR Finds Two Cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka During Regular Checks
