What is the HMPV virus in China? The human metapneumovirus and its symptoms, explained.
this human metapneumovirusThe virus, also known as HMPV, is reportedly surging in China, raising questions about what the disease is and whether Americans are worried
Chinese health officials have not confirmed HMPV is the cause of hospitalizations in the country, and recent reports Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that the actual increase may be due to influenza A. But because the American public knows less about HMPV, concerns about a potential new epidemic have grown, although experts say there is no need to panic.
"Concerns about the pandemic can be eliminated," Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, The director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Medical Center in Plano told CBS News that not only is the virus fairly stable, but it’s also not new like COVID-19. “This has been circulating for some time, so people have some immunity to this human metapneumovirus.”
What is HMPV?
HMPV is a virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract illness in people of all ages. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of severe illness from the virus.
The length of illness depends on the severity of the individual’s case, but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
HMPV symptoms
According to the CDC, common symptoms associated with HMPV include:
- cough
- fever
- nasal congestion
- Shortness of breath
“Clinical signs of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” the CDC website states.
Is HMPV a new virus?
HMPV is not new. It was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the same family of Pneumoviridae as respiratory syncytial virus, or RSVaccording to the CDC.
García Carreno said it may have been circulating much earlier – decades or even more than a century.
In the United States, HMPV typically spreads starting in winter and continuing into or throughout spring, and can circulate at the same time as RSV and influenza during respiratory virus season, the CDC says.
Is HMPV more serious than COVID-19?
Experts say the HMPV outbreak in China is not the main problem — it is neither a new mystery disease nor the reason for so many cases of coronavirus or other infections this season. According to the latest data from the CDC, HMPV accounts for less than 2% Weekly positive respiratory virus tests. By comparison, the flu accounted for nearly 19% and the coronavirus accounted for just over 7% in the same week.
For a disease to be considered widespread locally, more than 10% of positive results are required for two consecutive weeks. Garcia Carreno said that number, 1.9%, is not close to the numbers for influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.
Researchers estimate that about 10 to 12 percent of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The clinic’s website adds: “Most cases are mild, but about 5 to 16 percent of children develop lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia.”
HMPV transmission and prevention
HMPV is spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contact with items contaminated with the virus.
“Unfortunately, in contrast to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19, we do not have a vaccine for human metapneumovirus, so we do not have the ability to prime or boost our immune system to fight these viruses,” Garcia-Carreno said. Advantages. ” “But everything else we’ve learned about COVID-19 can be applied to methane.”
To prevent illness, take similar steps as you would for other respiratory viruses, which is washing your hands with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
“If someone is sick, try to avoid crowds so you don’t expose everyone, especially vulnerable populations,” Garcia-Carreno said. “If that person is sick and can’t avoid going to a place where other people are, then please Try using a mask, follow coughing and sneezing etiquette, and good hand-washing habits.”
