People all across the globe still haven’t recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic that plunged the world into darkness for three years. The latest updates that are flooding social media about the Human Metapneumovirus HMPV outbreak have definitely reopened the old scars. China is reportedly battling another epidemic after COVID-19. According to the social media posts, China has also declared a state of emergency with hospitals and healthcare systems overburdened. But, how true are these reports? In this article, we bring you a detailed report on the HMPV outbreak. This report will help you understand how dangerous this virus is and whether it has the potential to turn into another pandemic.
What Is HMPV?
Human Metapneumovirus commonly known as HMPV was first discovered in 2001. The virus belongs to the Pneumoviridae family which includes other respiratory syncytial viruses as well. HMPV is responsible for an infection that targets the respiratory system. As of 2016, HMPV was the 2nd most common cause of acute respiratory tract illness after RSV in young children. The United States of America, Canada, and Europe have already reported cases of HMPV in 2011-12. Hence, it is clear that HMPV is not a newly emerged virus.
What Are The Symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus To Look Out For?
The symptoms of HMPV virus infection are somewhat similar to that of the common cold. They tend to last for around 5 days and fade away on their own in individuals who are otherwise healthy. A few of the notable and most common symptoms include fever along with cough and nasal congestion. Some infected individuals may also experience shortness of breath. Young children who are below the age of 14 and older adults with weakened immune systems are at high risk. Those with other severe respiratory diseases like asthma are also advised to practice caution.
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How Does HMPV Get Transmitted?
Like COVID-19 or any other virus that affects the respiratory system, HMPV is also transmitted from one individual to another. The most common ways of HMPV transmission are close contact with those infected, coughing, sneezing, and touching surfaces that have the virus. The virus is reportedly a winter occurrence. Hence, it spreads mostly during winter or spring. The cases of HMPV often surface in the same months in which cases of other viruses like RSV or common flu do.
What Are The Treatment Options Available?
As of now, there exists no antibiotics or vaccine for the treatment of HMPV. The treatment of HMPV simply includes reducing the symptoms. You must drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. For congestion or fever, people are advised to use over-the-counter medicines. Severe cases in which the infected individuals already had respiratory diseases like Asthma may require hospitalization.
Can It Potentially Convert Into Another Pandemic?
As per the latest updates, the recently detected cases include pathogens like Rhinovirus and Human Metapneumovirus among children below 14. The social media posts circulating over the internet show videos and pictures of the Chinese public wearing masks and flooding the hospitals. However, the authorities in China have called the surge in HMPV cases a merry “Winter occurrence”. The World Health Organisation has not declared any medical emergency situation either. Hence, the potential of the outbreak converting into another pandemic as of now seems unlikely.
How To Prevent HMPV Transmission?
The guidelines for preventing the transmission of the HMPV virus are also similar to common flu and COVID-19. The best we can do to prevent transmission is to wash our hands frequently using water and soap for at least 20 seconds. We must also avoid touching our faces, wear masks in crowds, and clean all frequently touched surfaces regularly. In case you are already sick, please do not step out of your house. This will ensure that we do not contribute to the transmission any further.
Conclusion
China is currently downplaying the outbreak and claiming it as a merry winter occurrence like the flu. The authorities also claimed China is completely safe for travel. However, countries have already started airport screening and taking precautionary measures. In comparison to COVID-19, HMPV is considered a milder infection. According to health experts, the disease does not show any pandemic-level transmission potential. However, it is important for us to practice precautionary measures and avoid crowded places.
