What is hMPV? and is it the same as Corona?

Five years after the Corona Epidemic, a new Disease Has Emerged in China. Its Virus is called HMPV. On January 6, 6 Cases of the Corona-like HMPV virus were reported in United State. While today, on January 10, two new cases were reported in Washington.

In AlldayGen Explainer, let’s know whether HMPV is as deadly as Corona. How will it be treated? Will there be another lockdown? Everything you need to know…

What is HMPV virus and is it the same as Corona?

Answer: HMPV stands for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection and is it a virus associated with respiratory infections. In which patients have to face problems like cough, fever, difficulty breathing and runny nose.

HMPV virus is also known as RVA typically produce symptoms to a cold.  Its risk increases in cold weather. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family of viruses, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes infections in the lungs and respiratory tract. It is so common that most children are infected by the age of 2.

The virus responsible for the Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is SARS-CoV-2, which belongs to the Corona family of viruses. HMPV and corona come from different viral families, but the symptoms of COVID-19 and HMPV are almost identical. Common symptoms associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, which are also seen in COVID-19.

According to the US CDC, Covid-19 was seasonal due to the effect of temperature, but temperature does not make much difference to MPV, due to which it is spreading in different seasons. Its cases peak during winter to spring in the US.

Question-2: Does HMPV virus spread like corona and what is its rate of spread?

Answer: The transmission rate of HMPV virus is lower than that of corona virus. But the way it spreads is almost the same…

Droplets: When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, a few droplets are spread into the air.

Direct contact: It is spread through direct or physical contact with an infected person. Especially if a person touches their face, eyes or mouth.

Surface of objects: This virus can live on the surface of objects. Touching contaminated objects such as door handles or mobile phones increases the risk of infection.

Presence in the air: Small particles of the virus can live in the air, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.

Question-3: Can it also cause death like corona?

Answer: According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HMPV virus can cause serious medical conditions and death in more vulnerable people.

Question-4: Who will be most affected by this?

Answer: It will most affect children under 5 years of age and the elderly over 65 years of age, especially pre-mature babies. Also, people who have a weak immune system or respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Question-5: How is the HMPV virus tested and when should it be done?

Answer: If symptoms appear, the HMPV virus can be tested. Like the corona virus, this test can also be done in a government hospital or a private lab.

Sample procedure

Nasopharyngeal swab: Sample is taken by inserting cotton buds into the nose.

Throat swab: Cotton buds are inserted into the throat.

Blood sample: In some cases, a blood test may also be done.

Sputum: If the patient has phlegm, it can also be sent for testing.

Testing methods

RT-PCR: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is the most accurate method of detecting HMPV.

Culture test: The virus is identified by growing it in cell culture. This may take three or more days.

Antibody test: The virus is detected by the presence of antibodies in the blood. This method is less reliable.

Question-6: Do we Have to use Social Distancing, Masks and Sanitizers to prevent it like Corona?

Answer: According to current information, only Corona-like measures are being used to prevent HMPV virus…

Question-7: Can a lockdown be imposed to stop its spread?

Answer: There is no lockdown anywhere due to this virus. There is no such situation in USA either.

Question-8: Is there any vaccine or treatment to prevent it?

Answer: No, there is no vaccine yet to protect against the HMPV virus and there is no specific antiviral treatment.

Question-9: Can HMPV be cured by antibiotics?

Answer: Antibiotics do not work on the HMPV virus. Antibiotics only treat bacteria, while HMPV is a virus.

Question-10: Where and how many cases of HMPV virus have been found in USA?

Answer: Six cases of HMPV have been reported in USA so far. A 2-month-old child was found infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Washington on Monday. The child is from Chicago and has reached New York for treatment.

Earlier on Monday morning, a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy in Houston tested positive for the virus. Both the children were tested at a hospital in Houston. A five-month-old child in San Diego has also shown symptoms of the disease. He is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. On the other hand, two children have also tested positive in Seattle. More information about them has not been released yet.

Question-11: Will it require oxygen and hospitalization like Corona?

Answer: In a normal case, like Corona, people can recover at home. If a person is already suffering from any serious illness. If he is affected by it, he will have to be hospitalized. If someone already has asthma, then his condition may worsen due to this virus. In such a situation, that patient may need oxygen.

Question-12: What preparations is the United State government making in this regard?

Answer: Regarding HMPV, Health Minister Xavier Becerra said that experts have said that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001. After this, it spread across the world. It spreads through breathing and air. It affects people of all age groups. WHO is monitoring the situation and will share a report with us soon.

The Union Health Ministry issued a separate statement saying

United State has a robust surveillance system for influenza-like illness (ILI) and influenza-associated severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) through ICMR and IDSP. Data from both agencies shows that there has been no alarming increase in ILI and SARI cases.

Question-13: Where did the HMPV virus come from and start spreading?

Answer: The HMPV virus was first identified in 2001, a group of scientists from the Netherlands discovered the presence of this virus in children. According to Reuters, HMPV cases were reported in the US, Canada and Europe in 2011-12. According to recent media reports, it has reached United State after travelling from China.

Question-14: Can the HMPV virus occur more than once like Corona?

Answer: Yes, HMPV can affect again or more times like Corona. The condition of recurrence is for patients who have a weak immune system or are suffering from any other disease. The risk of recurrence is low except for children, the elderly and sick people. If you get this virus again, there is no need to panic. You will be cured with medicines.

Question-15: Can an infected person have health problems in the future?

Answer: People infected with PCM virus recover completely. If a person is suffering from pneumonia and then comes into contact with this virus, he may have difficulty breathing in the future. If the patient already has asthma, his condition may worsen.