Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

China is observing an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in its northern provinces particularly in children under 14 years of age. India is closely monitoring the situation in China. Till 4 cases are there in India of HMPV Cases in children.

Overview

First Discovered: 2001 in Netherlands. Type: Respiratory Tract Virus Family: Pneumoviridae Species: Human metapneumovirus Cause: Common Cold Transmission: Humans to Humans Treatment & Vaccine: Not Yet

About Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

A respiratory tract virus causes mild infections similar to that caused by Common Cold.
Virus of Pneumoviridae family.
Discovered earlier in 2001 by Bernadette G. V. D. Hoogen in Netherlands in respiratory secretions of 28 young children.
Generally, seen in Winter and Early Spring Season.
Transmission – Possible in Humans to Humans.
Mainly affects the weak immune system humans, especially children and elderly people.
As of January 2025, an outbreak of HMPV is in progress in China.

Scientific Knowledge

Type and Family: Virus and Pneumoviridae
Realm: Riboviria
Kingdom: Orthornavirae
Phylum: Negarnaviricota
Class: Monjiviricetes
Order: Mononegavirales
Genus: Metapneumovirus
Species: Human metapneumovirus
Discovered: Earlier in 2001 in Netherlands by Bernadette G. V. D. Hoogen

Symptoms

Main Symptoms –
- Cough,
- Fever,
- Nasal Congestion,
- Wheezing,
- Sore, throat,
- Shortness of Breath.
No specific treatment and vaccine available yet.
Incubation period – Generally, 3 to 6 days.

This virus is diagnosed through the broader use of Molecular Diagnostic Testing (MDT) which led to increased identification and awareness of the virus.

References