Image of the HMPV. Picture source: MINT.
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On January 6, 2025, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) assessed the country’s risk level for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as moderate and is enhancing preparatory measures. In collaboration with health organisations, the NCDC implements strategies to address potential impacts. The centre also debunked false reports claiming that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared HMPV a global health emergency, urging the public to ignore such misinformation.
Despite these developments, many are still unsure what this virus is about and why they should be concerned or take caution. This article addresses this need to know.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections but sometimes causes lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and asthma flare-ups, or makes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
HMPV, a virus in the same family as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), was discovered in 2001. With more advanced testing tools now widely used, scientists have been able to identify HMPV more often and understand that it plays a key role in causing respiratory infections, both in the upper and lower parts of the respiratory system.
What are the symptoms of HMPV?
Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to those of other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.
The estimated incubation period is 3 to 6 days, and the median duration of illness can vary depending upon severity but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses.
What causes an HMPV infection?
HMPV is caused by a virus (a small germ) that uses your cells to make more copies of itself. This virus is part of the viruses that cause RSV, measles, and mumps.
Who is at risk?
According to the WHO, HMPV is a common cause of upper respiratory infections among infants and children under 5 years old. Although anyone can catch HMPV, infants, older adults, and those with health conditions like immunosuppression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma are at higher risk for severe illness.
Therefore, this indicates that extra care should be taken to protect at-risk groups and healthcare workers from respiratory infections.
How does it spread?
HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands,
touching objects or surfaces with viruses, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Surveillance data from the CDC’s National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) shows that HMPV is most active in temperate climates during late winter and spring.
HMPV, RSV, and influenza can circulate simultaneously during the respiratory virus season.
How is the HMPV virus different from COVID-19?
HMPV and COVID-19 are both respiratory viral infections but differ in several ways.
HMPV is part of the Pneumoviridae family and is related to RSV. It typically causes seasonal outbreaks with symptoms like cough, fever, and nasal congestion, primarily affecting young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. While it is usually mild to moderate, severe cases can result in pneumonia. There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for HMPV.
COVID-19, on the other hand, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and was first identified in 2019. It is part of the Coronaviridae family. Due to its high transmission rate and severe impact on multiple organ systems, it quickly became a global pandemic. Its symptoms range from mild respiratory issues to severe complications like acute respiratory distress and organ failure. Unlike HMPV, COVID-19 has vaccines and antiviral treatments widely available, which have significantly mitigated its impact.
How can HMPV be prevented?
Similar to COVID-19, to prevent the spread of the virus, people are expected to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching the eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with sick people, and cover the mouth when sneezing or coughing.
The CDC also notes that people should avoid sharing cups and other utensils, refrain from kissing people with cold symptoms, and stay home when sick.
How can HMPV be treated?
There is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV or vaccine to prevent HMPV. Treatment consists of providing supportive care to patients with moderate or severe symptoms.
Conclusion
HMPV is a common virus that usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. Seek medical care right away if you or your child is having trouble breathing or if you have other signs of serious illness. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about HMPV.
