of human metapneumovirusThe infection, also known as HMPV, is reportedly surging in China, raising questions about what the disease is and whether it is a concern for people in the United States.
Chinese health authorities have not confirmed that HMPV is causing an increase in hospitalizations in the country, and a recent report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that this increase may actually be due to influenza A. It shows that there is. But while the lack of public knowledge about HMPV in the United States has raised concerns about the possibility of a new pandemic, experts say there is no need to be alarmed.
“Concerns about a pandemic can be alleviated,” Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Medical Center Plano, told CBS News, noting that the virus is not only fairly stable; He added that it is not a new virus. It was the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). “This has been circulating for some time, so people have some immunity to this human metapneumovirus.”
What is HMPV?
HMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory illness in people of all ages. Young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of severe illness from the virus.
The length of illness varies depending on the individual’s severity, but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of HMPV
According to the CDC, symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include:
cough fever stuffy nose shortness of breath
“Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection can progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” the CDC website states.
Is HMPV a new virus?
HMPV is not new. It was first discovered in 2001 and, along with respiratory syncytial virus, is part of the Pneumoviridae family. RSVaccording to the CDC.
García Carreno said it may have been widespread even earlier, for decades or even a century or more.
In the United States, HMPV typically begins circulating in the winter and continues into or into the spring, and can co-circulate with RSV and influenza during respiratory virus season, according to the CDC.
Is HMPV worse than coronavirus?
Experts say the outbreak of HMPV in China is not a major concern. HMPV is not a new mystery disease, and it is not causing as many cases this season as the coronavirus or other infectious diseases. According to the latest CDC data, HMPV accounts for less than 2% of weekly positive respiratory virus tests. In contrast, in the same week, influenza accounted for nearly 19% and coronavirus accounted for just over 7%.
For the disease to be considered locally widespread, positive results must exceed 10% over a two-week period. García-Carreno said at 1.9%, it’s nowhere near the numbers for influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, researchers estimate that approximately 10 to 12 percent of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV.
The clinic’s website adds: “Although most cases are mild, approximately 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia.”
HMPV infection and prevention
HMPV is transmitted by direct contact with someone infected with HMPV or by touching something contaminated with the virus.
“Unfortunately, compared to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus, there is no vaccine for human metapneumovirus, so there is no benefit to stimulating or strengthening the immune system to fight these viruses,” Garcia said.・Mr. Carreno stated. “Yet, everything we learned about coronavirus can also be applied to methane.”
To prevent illness, take the same precautions you would take for other respiratory viruses. That means washing your hands with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
“If someone is sick, please try to avoid crowds to avoid infecting everyone, especially the vulnerable,” García Carreno said. “If the person is sick and you cannot avoid going to other people, please use a mask, practice good coughing and sneezing etiquette, and wash your hands thoroughly.”
