HMPV Outbreak: India Monitoring Respiratory,  Seasonal Flu Cases As China Faces Covid-Like  Scare After Five Years

HMPV Virus Outbreak: Amid rising concerns over a Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, India is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with international agencies. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), under the Union Health Ministry, is actively monitoring respiratory infections and cases of seasonal influenza.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely, validate information and update accordingly," news agency ANI quoted official sources. "The data from December 16-22, indicates a recent rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), however, the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year is lower than last year. A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period," sources said after an update from WPRO.

About HMPV Virus

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an enveloped, single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus classified under the Pneumoviridae family and the Metapneumovirus genus, as stated by the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).

Meanwhile, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) can lead to both upper and lower respiratory diseases in individuals of all age groups.

"The resurgence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) underscores the ever-evolving challenges posed by respiratory viruses, particularly in high-density populations. HMPV, a relatively underrecognized pathogen, has been a silent contributor to seasonal respiratory illnesses globally. At Dr Dangs Lab, we have routinely reported cases of HMPV during flu seasons, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. This outbreak in China highlights the need for heightened surveillance and early detection mechanisms to curb its spread," Dr Arjun Dang was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 

Symptoms Of the HMPV Virus

According to Dr Arjun Dang HMPV often presents symptoms similar to other respiratory infections, such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing. 

In severe cases, it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly among high-risk groups. He emphasized that if the outbreak isn't quickly controlled, it could significantly strain the healthcare system.

The virus generally spreads from an infected person to others through close contact such as shaking hands and coughing or sneezing. China is also monitoring the rise in respiratory diseases as part of a new pilot system aimed at tracking pneumonia of unknown origin. 

With winter approaching, an increase in respiratory illnesses is expected. Recent reports have shown the detection of pathogens like the rhinovirus and human metapneumovirus, with a particular uptick in human metapneumovirus cases among individuals under 14, especially in northern provinces.