India On Alert Amid Surge In COVID-Like Virus In China; Know More About HMPV

New Delhi: Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, China is having to deal with an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Reports and social media posts suggest that the virus is spreading rapidly, sparking concerns of another serious health crisis. No official information has come out of China, but videos shared online show crowded hospitals, with some saying that multiple viruses, including influenza A, HMPV and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, are circulating.

With memories of coronavirus outbreak, whose epicentre was in the Chinese city of Wuhan, still fresh in the minds, India’s Health ministry is on alert and closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal cases in the country.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), under Union Health Ministry, is in touch with international agencies, reported ANI.

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly,” the news agency quoted sources as saying.

According to experts, there is a need for heightened surveillance and early detection mechanisms to curb the spread of HMPV.

“The resurgence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) underscores the ever-evolving challenges posed by respiratory viruses, particularly in high-density populations. HMPV, a relatively underrecognised pathogen, has been a silent contributor to seasonal respiratory illnesses globally,” News18 quoted Dr Dangs Lab CEO Dr Arjun Dang as saying.

As per data recorded between December 16 and 22 in China, there has been a spike in acute respiratory infections, including HMPV, seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

What is HMPV?

HMPV causes flu-like symptoms which can lead to severe respiratory issues. The respiratory virus causes upper and lower respiratory infections, and can affect people of all age-groups, with young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems being most vulnerable, according to USA’s CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

HMPV symptoms

First identified in 2001, symptoms of HMPV are akin to those of flu and other respiratory infections. Cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath are among common signs. In severe HMPV cases, complications like bronchitis or pneumonia can develop.

The incubation period for HMPV is three to six days. Symptoms can last for varying durations depending on the severity of infection.

Like COVID-19, HMPV transmission occurs through — secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact like shaking hands or touching, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.