Almost four years have passed since China, India, and other countries have recovered from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a few days into 2025, a respiratory illness is spreading rapidly in China, causing panic in the population. The virus is called the “human metapneumovirus (HMPV).” According to the media and social media posts, as the cases of the HMPV are rising, hospitals and crematories are reportedly overwhelmed.
While the HMPV outbreak in China rattles the whole world, India has confirmed seven cases on Tuesday. A three-month-old infant and an eight-month-old infant in Bangaluru were the first two cases of the HMPV in India. A two-month-old is also infected in Ahmedabad. According to the Union Health Ministry, both families of Bangaluru and Ahmedabad have no recent history of international travel.
The three-month-old infant was admitted to the hospital due to a fever in December and tested positive for HMPV. However, she has since recovered and has been discharged. The eight-month-old tested positive for both HMPV and respiratory syncytial virus, after being admitted with fever and mild injury. However, he is now recovering.
As stated by the health authorities of China, the virus is spreading towards the northern regions of the country. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control, northern China is the most affected. The HMPV can infect people of all ages, especially children and older people are at risk of getting infected. Although people are concerned about the spread of the virus, neither the Chinese officials nor the World Health Organisation has declared it as a matter of concern.
Understanding the Human Metapneumovirus Virus
Human Metapneunomovirus, commonly known as HMPV was first discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands. HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes mild to severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. This virus transmits through respiratory droplets and is more common in winter and early spring.
According to the official of the Karnataka Health Department, nearly 10% of adult pneumonia cases, and 4-6% of viral infections in children, are caused by HMPV. Children, old adults, and immunosuppressed individuals are more vulnerable to this virus. Regardless of its worldwide recognition, health experts have confirmed that HMPV infection is treatable with prompt care, and rarely requires hospitalisation.
The HMPV virus is similar to other respiratory illnesses
Amid the rising concern about the transmission of the HMPV, our Director General of Health Services, Dr Atul Goel has reassured the public that there is no need to panic, as this virus is similar to that of other respiratory viruses. This virus generally causes mild cold-like symptoms and commonly affects children and elderly individuals. He also added that the hospitals in India are fully prepared to handle the seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses. He also requested people to follow basic hygiene habits and take precautions to stay safe, especially during the winter season.
HMPV symptoms: what you should know
Human Metapneumovirus, widely known as the HMPV virus, affects the lungs and respiratory tract and causes flu-like symptoms. It was first identified in 2001 and belongs to the paramyxovirus family. It has a lot in common with the Respiratory Syncytial Virus, because of their closer genetic relationship.
As mentioned earlier, the vulnerable populations for HMPV are young children, the elderly, and immunosuppressed individuals.The symptoms generally mimic those of other respiratory illnesses symptoms, and the severity may range from mild to severe. The common symptoms may include:
In severe cases, HMPV can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis which may require immediate hospitalization. The parents should notice the symptoms of the children. If you notice excessive fatigue and bluish lips in your child, seek immediate medical help. After analyzing your symptoms the healthcare provider will suggest taking a HMPV virus test, which is an RT-PCR test to detect the virus in the respiratory sample. The HMPV test price is only INR 2999.
Please understand “There is nothing to panic”
Dr Arun Gupta, the president of Delhi Medical Court has said that the symptoms of HMPV are very similar to those of COVID-19, and require a close watch. However, he also added that “so far it is no cause for alarm.” However, it is important to practice basic hygiene practices to stay protected from getting any respiratory infection.
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