Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): What You Need to Know
A new respiratory virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), is spreading quickly across parts of Asia, raising alarms among health experts. Known for cold-like symptoms that can escalate to severe respiratory issues like pneumonia, HMPV is being compared to COVID-19 due to its rapid transmission and the potential to overwhelm healthcare systems.
HMPV spreads via respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes, close contact with infected individuals, or touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms typically include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and sore throat, but vulnerable groups—such as young children, older adults, and those with weak immune systems—may face complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. Severe cases may require hospitalisation, but currently, there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.
Reports from affected regions, particularly China, highlight overcrowded hospitals and simultaneous outbreaks of other respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19. Videos of overwhelmed emergency rooms have heightened public fears of another large-scale health crisis.
To prevent HMPV’s spread, experts recommend frequent handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. Disinfecting high-touch surfaces and staying home when unwell can also help limit transmission.
HMPV, part of the Pneumoviridae family alongside Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), primarily affects people during late winter and spring but can spread year-round. Young children under five, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions like asthma are most at risk. Public health officials stress the importance of vigilance, timely reporting, and preventive measures to mitigate the virus’s impact as it continues to spread.