Rapid Fire
HMPV Virus
- 07 Jan 2025
- 2 min read
The recent surge in respiratory illnesses in China, linked to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has sparked fears of another pandemic.
- However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not reported a new pandemic, issued emergency warnings, or declared a health crisis related to HMPV.
- About HMPV:
- Discovery: It was discovered in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands. It causes acute respiratory infections, similar to flu and Covid-19.
- Presence: It is not limited to China and is found all over the world. It is clubbed as a common respiratory pathogen. It does not have a vaccine.
- Symptoms: Cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and wheezing, which typically resolve within 2-5 days.
- Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications like pneumonia.
- Transmission: HMPV spreads through close contact or by touching contaminated surfaces.
- Seasonality: It commonly circulates during winter and spring, along with other respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza.
- HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which includes RSV, measles, and mumps viruses.
- Severity: While most HMPV cases are mild, a small percentage (5-16%) may develop into severe conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
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