Like any other virus that causes respiratory symptoms, hMPV can lead to cough, cold, fever, and, in severe cases, complications such as viral pneumonia.
Published Jan 06, 2025 | 8:32 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 07, 2025 | 10:21 AM
A test result showing the presence of hMPV. (Supplied)
A growing sense of anxiety is spreading worldwide following the recent reports from China about a surge in respiratory infections caused by Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). The lingering shadow of the Covid-19 outbreak continues to fuel unease whenever a new virus emerges.
However, a Hyderabad-based paediatrician who treated hMPV cases offers a cautious perspective on the recent outbreak.
Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, sharing details with South First about four pediatric patients she treated for hMPV, emphasised that the virus was neither new nor mysterious.
“We see it every year,” she said. “It’s not a mystery virus. If there’s a new mutation, there is no information about it as of now. Let’s stay vigilant but avoid creating unnecessary suspense or panic. Precautions are essential, as always.”
Dr Sivaranjani also highlighted the importance of public awareness. “We need to remain vigilant but not panic. hMPV is something we encounter annually, but it’s crucial to monitor closely for potential new mutations. As of now, there’s no such news. We must repeatedly educate the public on preventing the spread of respiratory viruses — whether it’s hMPV, influenza, or RSV.”
Like any other virus that causes respiratory symptoms, hMPV can lead to cough, cold, fever, and, in severe cases, complications such as viral pneumonia.
Children may experience wheezing and, in rare instances, may require oxygen support. However, these severe cases are uncommon.
“In most situations, the infection resolves like a typical flu with symptoms such as cough, cold, and fever. It is often called “viral fever” and usually passes within three to five days with symptomatic treatment,” Dr Sivaranjani said.
Parents should seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Warning signs include:
If needed, hospitalisation may be required to administer intravenous fluids or oxygen. In rare cases, oxygen might need to be delivered under high pressure, and very rarely, ventilation might be necessary.
“It’s important to note that such severe outcomes are not unique to hMPV. Similar patterns are observed with other viruses like influenza or RSV. Most infections resolve with basic symptomatic treatment. Complications are more likely to occur in children with underlying immunodeficiency or very young infants, who may react more strongly to the virus,” Dr Sivaranjani said.
Dr Sivaranjani said that many private labs offer viral panels that use nasal and oropharyngeal swabs to identify specific pathogens these days. These tests can differentiate between viruses like influenza, parainfluenza, RSV, hMPV, or even bacterial causes like Mycoplasma pneumonia.
“I’ve shared a few reports that highlight cases of hMPV infections. Interestingly, while Indian media has reported about this recent surge it feels like some of the coverage might be more about generating attention rather than reflecting a significant outbreak,” she said.
However, she pointed out that she doesn’t have enough information to completely rule out the possibility of a new mutant strain of hMPV causing more severe infections, “like what we’ve seen with other viruses in the past. It’s essential to stay vigilant, but we shouldn’t create unnecessary suspense or panic,” she said.
She added that, from her experience, hMPV infections aren’t uncommon. They tend to emerge every year during this season alongside other respiratory viruses. When such viruses first appear, they often cause significant concern, but over time, humans adapt — similar to how we adapted to Covid-19. Initially, Covid caused widespread panic, but now, testing and concern around it have significantly reduced as it has become part of our routine seasonal illnesses.
Telangana Director of Public Health on Saturday, 4 January said that no case of hMPV was reported in the state.
The Health Department has analysed the data on prevailing respiratory infections within the state and said there was no substantial increase in December 2024 compared to 2023.
However, Dr Sivaranjani shared four reports to show that hMPV is not rare. “It’s incorrect to say it hasn’t been reported in Telangana. Paediatricians, especially during the respiratory virus season, often encounter children with hMPV,” she said.
It should be noted that even the Union government on 4 January said that the situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season. The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is the Influenza virus, RSV and hMPV – the usual pathogens that are expected during the season.
These viruses are already in circulation globally including India. “A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR [Indian Council of Medical Research] and IDSP [Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme] networks and the data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI & SARI cases,” said Union Health Ministry in a statement on 4 January.
Physicians from hospitals also confirmed that there has been no surge in respiratory illness cases in the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation.
ICMR network also tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, hMPV etc., and did not show any unusual increase in the tested samples. As a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing for hMPV will be enhanced by ICMR, and it will be monitoring trends of hMPV for the entire year.
“Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill across the Country indicated that the Country is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses,” said the Union Health Ministry.
The government is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and World Health Organisation (WHO) has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China.
“If anything unusual is happening in China, such as a mutant strain causing more severe cases, we’ll have to wait for more information to confirm it. For now, the best course of action is to remain vigilant, avoid misinformation, and educate the public about prevention and management strategies for respiratory viruses,” said Dr Sivaranjani.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
