What you need to know about the new pandemic Human Metapneumovirus

The year 2025 has just started but the whole world is bracing itself following the outbreak of a new infection known as human metapneumovirus(HMPV).

China has already recorded a high number of people affected by this virus which is said to be deadlier than the coronavirus which hit the world in 2019.

The surge in HMPV cases has primarily impacted children under 14 in China’s northern provinces. Health officials have expressed concern over the rapid spread of this virus, which often leads to respiratory illnesses similar to the flu.

What is Human Metapneumovirus(HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus of the family Pneumoviridae and is closely related to the Avian metapneumovirus subgroup C. It was isolated for the first time in 2001 in the Netherlands by using the RAP-PCR technique for the identification of unknown viruses growing in cultured cells.

What are the causes of HMPV?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that spreads through close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces:

Droplets: Breathing in droplets from an infected person’s cough, sneeze, or breath

Contact: Touching an infected person or touching a surface they’ve touched, like a toy, doorknob, or tissue

Saliva or mucus: Direct contact with saliva or mucus from an infected person

What are HMPV symptoms?

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV, as noted by the CDC, include: cough and runny or stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, wheezing or shortness of breath in severe cases. In some cases, the infection can escalate to bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma exacerbations.

How long does human metapneumovirus last?

Mild cases of human metapneumovirus usually last a few days to a week. If you’re very sick, it’ll probably take longer to feel better. You might also have lingering symptoms, like a cough, that take longer to go away.

Prevention of HMPV:

Good hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory infections. The CDC recommends several key practices:

Handwashing: Regularly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. This helps remove viruses and bacteria that can cause illness.

Sanitising: If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol to kill germs on your hands. This is particularly important when you’re in public spaces or have touched surfaces others may have contaminated.

Cleaning: Frequently disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, remote controls, and mobile phones. These areas are common places for germs to spread, especially in high-traffic areas.

Isolation: Stay home if you’re feeling sick to prevent infecting others. This is especially important for those who are vulnerable, like the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems, who are more susceptible to severe illness.

Cough etiquette: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, or use your elbow to prevent respiratory droplets from spreading when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues properly and wash your hands immediately.

Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of illness. This includes not shaking hands and maintaining distance in social or crowded settings.

Ventilation: Make sure there is proper ventilation in indoor spaces by opening windows or using air filtration systems to reduce airborne particles that may contain the virus.