Know the facts about HMPV

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) recently garnered media attention due to outbreaks in China and reports from other Asian countries. Public concerns have arisen regarding the severity, background, and potential impact of HMPV in Pakistan.

While HMPV has been circulating in Pakistan for some time, health authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and adhere to hygienic practices to minimise the risk of infection. 

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

• HMPV is a respiratory infection first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001.
• It’s similar to the common cold and typically spreads during colder weather.

Common symptoms:

• Flu
• Cough
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

Who is at risk?

• Children under 5
• Adults over 65
• People with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions

Can it be life-threatening?

• While most cases of HMPV start as mild cold symptoms, it can progress to more serious conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia.
• People with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions are at a higher risk of severe illness or even death, according to the China CDC.

How doe sit spread?

• Physical contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces
• Droplets from coughing or sneezing

Diagnosis

• Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
• Antigen detection (via immunofluorescence or enzyme immunoassay)
• Routine testing is uncommon unless symptoms are severe or there’s an outbreak.

Treatment

• Rest and stay hydrated.
• Over-the-counter medications for fever and congestion.
• Use humidifiers to help with breathing.
• Hospitalisation may be needed for severe cases to provide oxygen support.

How to protect yourself

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Wear a mask in crowded places or if you're coughing or sneezing.
• Keep your distance from others and regularly clean surfaces like doorknobs.

Are we on the verge of another pandemic?

It’s too early to say if HMPV will cause a pandemic. No global health organization has declared it a major threat yet.

How is HMPV different from COVID-19?

• There is no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV, similar to COVID-19
• HMPV usually peaks in winter, while COVID-19 can spread year-round
• COVID-19 variants evolve quickly, whereas HMPV doesn’t change as rapidly
• HMPV spreads through droplets but does not have the same airborne risks as COVID-19

Global situation of HMPV

HMPV outbreaks are currently seen in some Asian countries:

• China: Cases on rise but exact number remains unreported.
• India: 5 cases so far
• Malaysia: 327 cases
• Kazakhstan: 30 cases
•  In Pakistan, HMPV has been reported since 2001. In 2015, there were 21 reported cases at PIMS.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) advised the public to remain calm, explaining that the current situation in Pakistan involves a seasonal flu outbreak affecting both Influenza A and B.