Is Human Metapneumovirus Deadly Like Covid-19? India On Alert After Mysterious Virus Outbreak In China

Barely five years since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world after the initial outbreak in Wuhan, a mysterious virus seems to be causing mass hospitalisations in China, prompting fear about another pandemic.

Representational Image | Posts on social media allege a rapid spread of "multiple viruses" including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19 in China.

Source : Getty Images

Five years after the world suffered the onset of a devastating Covid-19 pandemic, China is now reportedly dealing with an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Shockingly, China has once again failed to make any official announcements to the world in the regard that could potentially help stem the spread.

A week ago, Reuters reported that China's diseases control authority said that it was "piloting a monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, with cases of some respiratory diseases expected to rise through the winter". 

The move to establish a dedicated system is aimed at helping authorities set up protocols to handle unknown pathogens before it is too late, like it was in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

China may not have declared the details to the world, but its response on the ground signals a sense of urgency, in contrast to the lower level of preparedness five years ago when the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 first emerged.

While claims are being made about this new epidemic HMPV breaking, people and international news organisations on social media are sharing videos of crowded, even overwhelmed hospitals, alleging a rapid spread of "multiple viruses" including influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19.

Hospitals in China Overwhelmed as Severe "Flu" Outbreak, Including Influenza A and HMPV, Resembling 2020 COVID Surge. pic.twitter.com/GWw9u6JxsX

— Boar News (@PhamDuyHien9) December 29, 2024

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, the recent reports of the outbreak of Human Metapneummovirus (HMPV) in China has made the medical fraternity sit up, send out alerts to heighten surveillance, and suggest that an early detection mechanism be set up to curb its spread.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country, and is in touch with international agencies - reports ANI while citing official sources.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly," official sources reportedly told ANI.

On Friday, Dr Atul Goyal, Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), provided information about the outbreak of the Metapneumovirus in China, saying that while it is serious, there is no need for panic. "We do not believe that this is a cause for major concern, as this is a normal respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms or, in some cases, flu-like symptoms, especially in older individuals and children under one year old," Dr Goyal explained. "However, it is not a serious illness that requires significant worry. Respiratory virus infections increase during the colder months, and our hospitals and institutions are well-prepared to handle it, with beds and oxygen availability. There are no specific antiviral drugs required as there is no specific medication for this virus," he added.

The DGHS further clarified that while respiratory diseases increase during the winter in India, there is no cause for alarm, "We are closely monitoring the situation, and according to the data, there have not been a significant number of cases as of now. The usual rise in cases that happens during the winter months is what's being observed. Nothing serious has been reported so far, so there is no need for the country to worry."

HMP virus is one that virtually nobody has ever heard of and yet it has spread across the United States, causing a 36% spike in cases in 2023, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What is Human Metapneumovirus or HMPV?

The Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), according to the American Lung Association, is not a new virus. It is a leading cause of acute respiratory infections and was first identified in 2001 by scientists in the Netherlands.

Human metapneumovirus, or HMPV, is a respiratory disease that causes symptoms much like the common cold: cough, fever, congestion, runny nose, a sore throat, and shortness of breath, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

It mimics the common cold or flu, but among young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, HMPV can cause an illness severe enough to send them to the hospital.

Symptoms of HMPV:

According to the American Lung Association, most patients with HMPV have mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to a cold. These may include:

1. Cough
2. Runny nose or nasal congestion
3. Sore throat
4. Fever

In more severe cases, patients may experience wheezing, difficulty breathing and asthma flare-ups. Secondary lower respiratory infections may occur such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis or pneumonia, requiring additional medical care.

Is there a vaccine for HMPV?

Dr Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr Dang's Lab told ANI that there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, so prevention is the cornerstone of controlling its spread. He added that simple measures like washing hands regularly, covering mouth while coughing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help reduce its spread.  

Management is primarily supportive, focussing on hydration, fever control, and oxygen therapy in severe cases, Dr Dang said, while stressing upon the need for robust public awareness campaigns emphasising the preventive strategies to be run by the health authorities.

The author is a senior independent journalist.