Human metapneumovirus had swept across the US earlier this year as per reports. The virus, which is also referred to as HMP, causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Experts suggest infants, those who are immunocompromised and elderly are at higher risk of getting severe illness due to metapneumovirus and others should take the same level of concern as it is for common cold.
What is HMP virus?
Human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus which belongs to the family pneumoviridae, the same group that has respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and viruses causing measles. It was discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 from 28 kids. " It was found that the clinical symptoms of the children from whom the virus was isolated were similar to those caused by human respiratory syncytial virus infection, ranging from upper respiratory tract disease to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The researchers, who had identified the virus, had found that virtually all children in the Netherlands have been exposed to human metapneumovirus and that the virus has been circulating in humans for at least 50 years.
HMP cases have increased by 36% than before the pandemic
Cases of infection due to this metapneumovirus had surged across the US in March, as per report. As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), 19.6% of antigen tests and 10.9% of PCR tests for HMPV were positive in early and mid-March. The numbers are about 36% higher than before the pandemic.
The virus is like the annual flu in the United States and HMPV infections begin circulating in winter and last through spring. And the good news is that levels have dropped, as per a report by UC Davis Health released in June says.
What are the symptoms?
The US CDC lists cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath as the common symptoms of the infection caused by metapneumovirus. The symptoms are prominently seen in children, mostly those under 5 years of age. "Most children who get infected with hMPV are age 5 or younger. A small number of children (5-16%) infected will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia," says the American Lung Association.
How to take care of yourself?
The HMP virus is contagious and spreads from an infected person to a healthy person through secretions from coughing and sneezing, by touching or shaking hands, and touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. "Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV," says the US CDC. In order to prevent the infection, the US CDC recommends the following:
Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 secondsAvoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed handsAvoid close contact with people who are sickIt suggests that infected people cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, wash their hands frequently, avoid sharing their cups and eating utensils with others, refrain from kissing others and stay at home when they are sick.
