What is Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), and What Are its Symptoms and Modes of Spreading?

Human metapneumovirus, first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, is a communicable disease. People may also contract it by touching a contaminated surface. This virus attacks the upper respiratory tract of most people, leading to mild infection. 

In some cases, the hMPV virus can affect the lower respiratory tract, causing conditions like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups, or worsening COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This virus is more common in winter and early spring.

Who are the Most Vulnerable?

Infants are the most vulnerable to the virus, especially children under two. The elderly (65 and above) are vulnerable. Immunocompromised individuals are also vulnerable.

Pregnancy can also weaken the immune system, increasing the woman’s susceptibility to the virus. Moreover, the respiratory strain in pregnant women can worsen respiratory virus symptoms.

What are the Symptoms?

Human metapneumovirus symptoms can be discomfort that usually comes from a common cold. The symptoms can elevate to being life-threatening. The signs depend on age, immunity, and health. They are:

• A stuffed or runny nose can be one of the first signs of the illness.
• A constant, dry, or productive cough.
• Mild to high fever.
• Sore throat making swallowing difficult.
• High-pitched sound while breathing or wheezing. This implies that breathing tubes have become narrow.
• Chest pain caused by infection or respiratory strain.
• Rapid breathing can indicate breathing problems.
• A bluish discoloration of the lips, often a sign of low oxygen levels.

Symptoms in the Vulnerable 

The very young or elderly can show the following signs:

• It may be difficult to feed infants and young children. They may be irritable and show breathing issues.
• In the elderly, their pre-existing conditions can make symptoms worse and delay recovery.
• If your immune system’s defenses are weak, the virus can cause pneumonia and bronchitis. 

What Are the Causes of hMPV?

hMPV infection is most likely caused by contact with someone who has already contracted the disease. It mainly spreads via respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, or talking.  

The disease also spreads from shaking hands, coughing, or kissing. 

The virus can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching our face, particularly the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

What are the Risk Factors?

Certain conditions increase the likelihood of contracting the human metapneumovirus or experiencing symptoms. They are:

• Proximity to individuals who have already contracted the virus. This is possible in schools, healthcare facilities, colleges, and others.

• Being in crowded places like public transport and events. These are places where social distancing is difficult.

• Other ailments that are not hMPV can weaken the immune system. They can be cancer and HIV to name a few. This can make you more vulnerable to catching hMPV. 

Seasonal and Environmental Factors

Respiratory infections are more common during the final stages of inter to the early stages of spring. As for environmental factors, poor air quality and pollution may worsen respiratory conditions, increasing your likelihood of getting infected. 

Special Cases

While most people can recover from the virus without any major issues, there are some cases where the virus can lead to something serious. It can be

• Pneumonia: Infection can spread to the lungs which causes inflammation and fluid accumulation. 

• Bronchitis: The virus can cause serious inflammation of the bronchial tubes which can cause persistent coughing and wheezing.

• Existing Conditions Becoming Worse: If you already have respiratory or cardiac conditions, the virus may exacerbate them.

Diagnosis of hMPV

Healthcare experts usually diagnose the hMPV virus based on your symptoms and your health history. They might use a soft-tipped stick or swab to get a sample from your throat and nose. The sample is then tested for viruses and other infections. You will not be tested unless you have serious symptoms of the virus.

Sometimes, the doctor can take chest X-rays to see if there are any changes in your lungs’ airways. 

Conclusion

We, at SN Super Superspeciality Hospital in Sri Ganganagar, are taking the necessary steps so that we can help you keep the virus at bay. We hope you do not contract the virus and that there are no further cases in the country. 

Treatment of hMPV

There is no metapneumovirus treatment presently. Most people who have contracted the disease can manage the symptoms at home until they feel better.

If you or your child have caught the virus and the symptoms are serious, you need to be admitted to a hospital. 

For not-so-severe symptoms, we recommend you rest, and if you show serious symptoms, please reach out to the nearest hospital in Sri Ganganagar. 

SN Super Speciality Hospital can carry out check-ups if you have doubts about your health. Our treatments are done in safe environments where only the required doctors and patients are present for the examination.

Precautions/Preventions

You can try to reduce the risk of catching hMPV by:

• Regularly washing your hands with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are a good alternative to soap and water.

• While sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow and not with your bare hands.

• Try not to be around people if you are sick or if they are sick with cold or communicable diseases. 

• If you can’t avoid being around people, wear a mask.

• Don’t share food or utensils with others.

FAQs

1. What is the mortality rate of the hMPV virus?

Ans: The hMPV virus has a low mortality rate. The mortality depends on the patient population and other conditions if they exist.

2. How long does the hMPV virus last?

Ans: The symptoms caused by the hMPV virus last a few days to a week. If the case is serious, you may take longer to recover.

3. Can hMPV cause death?

Ans: Yes, the virus can cause death if you have underlying medical conditions.

4. How serious is hMPV?

Ans: The hMPV virus can range from mild to serious respiratory problems, serious enough for an individual to be hospitalised. 

5. How many cases of hMPV does India have so far?

Ans: In India, there are 15 cases of the hMPV virus so far.

6. What is the isolation period for the hMPV virus?

Ans: The ideal isolation period if you have contracted the hMPV virus is 14 days.

7. How long does metapneumovirus live on surfaces?

Ans: The hMPV virus can survive on surfaces for many hours?

8. Can antibiotics work against hMPV?

Ans: No, antibiotics will not work against hMPV as they work against bacteria. hMPV is caused by a virus.

9. How is hMPV different from other respiratory viruses?

Ans: Other respiratory diseases like influenza can be prevented using a vaccine while no vaccine exists as of yet for hMPV. RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) can be prevented with monoclonal antibodies to high-risk infants but such treatment for hMPV does not exist as of yet.