8-Month-Old Baby In India Tests Positive for HMPV: Symptoms & Precautions You Must Know

First case of China's Mystery Virus, HMPV has been detected in India. An 8-month old baby from Bengaluru has tested positive, sending a wave of fear among the masses. Read this blog to know why you should be concerned and how you can protect your little ones. 

Almost five years following the onset of Covid-19, hospitals in China are struggling due to the rapid outbreak of severe respiratory illnesses among the masses, and . While there is a significant surge in respiratory illnesses like influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Covid-19, it is hMPV, which is contributing to the majority of the cases. Read to know more about this virus and how it affects children. 

What Is hMPV?

Human Metapneumovirus or hMPV is a virus that causes acute infection in the upper respiratory tract, which involves the nose, nasal passage, mouth, throat, and larynx (voice box), and in extreme cases, the lower respiratory tract, i.e. the bronchi and lungs. Just like flu and RSV, hMPV is a seasonal disease and is most commonly seen in early spring and winter. 

The virus was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. It is a single-stranded RNA virus from the Paramyxoviridae family, closely related to RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus). 

Symptoms Of hMPV

hMPV symptoms are quite similar to those of the common cold, which can last for anywhere between 2 to 5 days. These include:

• Cough

• Congestion

• Shortness of breath

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

In severe cases, complications like bronchiolitis or pneumonia may be seen. 

Who Is At Risk Of hMPV?

hMPV can affect people of any age group, however the incidence and severity may vary.  According to the American Lung Association, the likelihood of developing serious complications due to hMPV are seen in children with compromised immune systems. It is most common in children below 5 years of age and nearly 5 to 16 percent of those affected develop lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. 

How hMPV Spreads?

hMPV virus is highly contagious and can easily spread from an infected person to others by the following means:

• Through respiratory droplets released during coughing and sneezing

• Through direct contact with an infected person, like touching their face, shaking hands, hugging them

• Through contaminated surfaces such as door knobs, bedding, toilets, toys, etc.

Chronic Lung Diseases & hMPV

Having chronic lung diseases like asthma, COPD and emphysema doesn’t make one more susceptible to developing hMPV. However, if one contracts the virus, the risk of developing severe lung complications is significantly higher in such cases. 

hMPV Prevention 

As of now, there is no vaccination for hMPV and the best possible way to protect your child from the viruses by taking these important measures:

• Make your child develop the habit of washing their hands with soap/handwash for at least 20 sec

• Do not touch your child, especially their face, without making sure your hands are clean. 

• Do not let them touch their face unnecessarily 

• Make them wash their hands before meals and especially after they come back from the playground or school 

• Teach your child to cover their mouth while sneezing and coughing

• Avoid coming in contact with a person infected with hMPV, or any other respiratory illness

• Avoid travelling to overcrowded places, 

• Make your child wear a mask 

• If you are noticing any symptoms, isolate your child and get in touch with a doctor. 

• Avoid frequently kissing your child, especially after you come back from work

• Isolate yourself if you are experiencing symptoms

hMPV Tests & Diagnosis

Tests for hMPV are not done routinely as the cases usually surge in the colder seasons. As per an article published by NLM, “culturing the virus is relatively difficult and diagnosis is mostly based on a nucleic acid amplification test, such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.”

Common tests for confirmation of hMPV include nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), immunofluorescence or enzyme immunoassay. 

hMPV Treatment

Currently, there is no known cure for hMPV and treatment majorly includes management of symptoms using over the counter medication, proper hydration and rest. Oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids may be recommended in extreme cases.