The spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has sparked global concerns. The virus, which mostly affects kids, older adults and those with a weak immunity, has been identified in 5 infants in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
HMPV symptoms: How to identify HMPV infection
In infants and young children, HMPV often presents with symptoms resembling those of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Common signs include fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. In severe cases, wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing (tachypnea), and retractions (visible pulling in of chest muscles). In some cases, it can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring hospitalization.
In healthy adults, HMPV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
Most adults recover without complications, but symptoms can be more pronounced in older adults or those with underlying health issues.
Older adults, especially those with chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, or weakened immune systems), are at higher risk of severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, high fever, wheezing, complications like pneumonia or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions.
In people with weakened immune systems, HMPV can lead to prolonged illness, severe lower respiratory tract infections, or secondary bacterial infections.
Can HMPV trigger a pandemic?
“#HMPvirus is nothing to panic about. It’s a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we shld all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult Dr if severe symptoms,” former chief scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Soumya Swaminathan has posted on X (formerly Twitter). “According to @ICMRDELHI, #HMPV accounts for about 3% of respiratory pathogens detected in the laboratory network, testing ILI and SARI cases. Influenza A & B, SARSCoV2 & RSV are other circulating viruses. No deaths reported in India so far,” she adds in her post.
How the states have responded to HMPV cases
Tamil Nadu has reported two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), one each in Chennai and Salem, said the Additional Chief Secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Family Welfare on Monday.
The press release issued by DIPR of the Tamil Nadu government, reads, “Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and it is an already circulating virus that was first identified in 2001. HMPV infections are self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic care, including adequate hydration and rest. The treatment for HMPV is symptomatic and supportive. Presently, 2 cases of Human Metapneumovirus have been reported, one in Chennai and one in Salem. They are stable and are being monitored.”
The HMPV was detected in a 2-month-old child who came from Rajasthan’s Dungarpur to Sarwar and was later referred to Ahmedabad, state’s Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said in a press statement. “As of now the child is absolutely alright and is ready for discharge…The child was found MPV positive in our report,” said Dr Nirav Patel, the physician of Orange Children Hospital in Ahmedabad.
A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the ministry said.
An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said.
Amid reports of the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in parts of the country, the Odisha government on Monday said it is prepared to tackle any such situation. Speaking to media persons, state public health director Nilakantha Mishra said, “There is no need to panic as the Centre has not issued any advisory so far. Still, we are prepared to tackle the situation at any point of time.”
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday urged the people of the state to follow the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Health Department and central government and said that there is “no need to panic.”
