In humans, Hmpv causes respiratory infections of variable severity. Chinese authorities avoid the risk of a new pandemic
The alert launched in China in recent days regarding the significant increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (Hmpv), especially due to complications among children and the elderly. The specter of the Covid-19 pandemic fuels fears among the population, but for now experts reassure: Hmpv is not a new virus. It has been known since 2001 and causes respiratory infections of variable severity. The situation is monitored carefully and at the moment there are no signs of a pandemic risk similar to the past. Here’s everything we know about this pathogen, from the symptoms to the current situation in China.
What is Hmpv
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Human metapneumovirus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, the same as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). First isolated in the Netherlands, it is a major cause of respiratory infections in children under 5 yearswith a spread that tends to worsen in the winter months. Although most cases are mild, Hmpv can cause complications, especially in vulnerable people such as the elderly, immunosuppressed people and newborns.
Hmpv symptomatology
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Hmpv infection initially manifests itself with symptoms similar to those of common cold or flu. So:
- fever
- cough
- runny nose or nasal congestion
- sore throat, with or without wheezing
- skin rashes in some cases
Complications of Hmpv infection can require hospitalization and include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, COPD exacerbations and ear infections. Children between 6 and 12 months are particularly vulnerable, but also the elderly, people with compromised immune systems (due to pathologies, immunosuppressive therapies or autoimmune diseases) and people with asthma or COPD. The transmission of the virus occurs mainly through respiratory dropletsthe feared ones dropletsor through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Treatment of Hmpv infection
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Currently, they do not exist specific antiviral drugs nor a vaccine against Hmpv. Therapy is therefore limited to the management of symptoms: rest, hydration, anti-inflammatories, antipyretic drugs to relieve fever and pain. In more serious cases, hospitalization is necessary for operations such as oxygen therapy or administration of fluids. In this regard, prevention through good practices is fundamental hygiene and isolation of infected subjects.
The situation in China and Italian analyses
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In China, the increase in Hmpv cases has generated fears among the population, already affected by previous health emergencies. The Chinese authorities have however excluding the risk of a new pandemicnoting that the infection is less serious than other past emergencies. The Italian scientific community, meanwhile, is carefully monitoring the epidemiological data: according to a recent study by the Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome currently being published in The Lancet Infectious DiseasesHmpv cases are growing, but they still remain limited thanks to acquired immunity by the population over the years.
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