The world has witnessed a lot of health disasters in the last couple of years, all the way from an assortment of flu calamities. Moreover, there is a virus that has recently attracted the attention of health authorities worldwide — Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). This virus is known to lead to respiratory illness and has recently cropped up in several countries including India. This elaborated piece gives information about the onset of HMPV virus incidents in India, the signs and fatality of the virus, and its social angle.
What is HMPV Virus?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a kind of respiratory virus. The virus was first identified In the Netherlands in 2001 and later on recognized as a contributing factor to respiratory diseases most preferably among children, the aged, and immunocompromised individuals. HMPV is positioned in the Metapneumovirus genus of viruses and is highly related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)- a virus that is associated with severe respiratory disease.
It is transferred through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva and sputum: The means of infection is similar to influenza or Covid. The flu is easily spread through airborne droplets through coughing or sneezing or by transmission through contact with contaminated objects and then touching the face. In India, HMPV virus cases have been increasing gradually and have thus raised a lot of concern among peoples’ general health and medical practitioners.
HMPV Virus Symptoms
In its natural presentation, the HMPV virus elicits symptoms that are similar to other respiratory viruses making their diagnosis at times very challenging. The most common symptoms include:
Cough – A sore throat that makes the person cough, the cough can be dry or congestive and gets deeper with time.
- Fever – Any fever ranging from mild to moderate, not including severe fever.
- Sneezing – Involuntary sneezing apart from the usual sneezing sound it also involves some noises like ‘sighs” and ‘clearing of the throat.
- Stomatodynia – a painful and uncomfortable sensation in the throat.
- Breathlessness – In severe cases painful and laborious breathing may be observed.
- Fatigue The state of being tired or weak for several days.
- Wheezing – Another word for whistling sound in the chest, and is usually considered a sign of a more serious condition.
- Headaches – frequent in subjects infected with the virus.
However, as with any virus, the severity of flu symptoms can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe, and those with compromised lungs or poor immune systems are in a more fragile category.
HMPV Virus Cases in India: A Growing Concern
Recently the magnitude of the HMPV virus has been on the rise in India. The country had to fight many illnesses; starting with COVID-19 and ending with a flu season and adding the HMPV virus to the list of threats to the healthcare system. It is killing elderly people and those under five years, but those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma or COPD are also at risk.
It is reported that the HMPV virus is prevalent in India and most parts of the country have reported cases and clusters have been recorded in large urban areas including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Health complications of the HMPV virus are especially prevalent during the winter period and due to that, the increase in such cases is to be expected, especially during this time of the year.
Delhi for instance has been hit by a lockdown as other illnesses loom while HMPV has started causing alarm within the city. Population density is high in the city, and radiation rates of the virus are high since respiratory diseases are common. That is why it is extremely important for the Government to provide such measures that will slow the virus spread.
HMPV Virus Death Rate: What You Need to Know
Although the HMPV virus death rate is less or comparatively low on the scale of other respiratory diseases like COVID-19, it is still a worthy worry for individuals with other illnesses. The virus causes severe respiratory illness, especially in susceptible populations and as a result of complications like pneumonia, the death rate is likely to be realized.
New investigations prove that despite the fact that the HMPV virus has a lower fatality rate compared to other respiratory viruses, the people at high risk are endangered. The virus takes about a week to show symptoms and the illness may last as long as the patient’s immune system battles other infections like pneumonia.
Death rates from HMPV virus are not exactly well understood due to the fact that only few large epidemiological studies directed at this virus exist. That is why doctors state that timely diagnosis and immediate treatment can help to minimize the possibility of getting a severe case.
Lockdown in Delhi: Impact on HMPV Virus Spread
Increased incidences of the HMPV virus in India have led the authorities in Delhi to consider putting the city back on lockdown to contain respiratory diseases. Delhi has often witnessed sharp spikes in air pollution during winter especially smog, which triggers respiratory diseases and weakens the immune system against infections like HMPV.
A lockdown in Delhi may though debated minimize contact between people and hence slow down the spread of the virus. The public health officials said that such a step might be very important to the eventual decrease in HMPV cases together with other respiratory diseases within the city that experienced the effects of COVID-19.
What You Should Know About HMPV Virus Cases in India
The increased occurrences of the HMPV virus in India also agree with the fact that preventive measures should not be taken lightly. Here are some key takeaways:
Early detection is critical: Those with symptoms that mimic respiratory illness, particularly the vulnerable groups should consult a doctor.
Vaccination and public awareness: There is no known vaccine for HMPV, but the general population should avoid close contact with infected people, and wash their hands often.
Precautionary measures: Use masks particularly where there is congregation or poor air circulation and be especially cautious during the winter.
Conclusion
This new virus type of HMPV virus calls for change in awareness and subsequent measures among the affected country India. While the death rate of the HMPV virus is not as high as in other viral infections risks still exist especially for HMPV virus high-risk groups. Therefore keeping ourselves and others safe from this new threat means washing our hands regularly and exposing ourselves to knowledge on the signs and means of treatment. While we keep on hoping and waiting for more news and updates in our country especially in Delhi and other neighboring regions, it is high time to be alert to decrease the risk of having HMPV.
HMPV Virus Q&A
Thus, there are no definitive vaccines that could treat HMPV, yet the following measures help significantly in preventing the spread of the virus; washing of hands often, wearing of masks, and staying away from those with flu-like symptoms.
Both HMPV and RSV are closely related and have almost similar manifestations. However, HMPV is relatively a newer virus, and not much is known about it as compared to RSV.
At present there is no specific antiviral chemotherapy for hmpv though symptomatic treatment is available for specific illnesses associated with the virus. Education about proper care, including the use of over-the-counter pain and fever medications and plenty of fluids and bed rest can alleviate a child’s symptoms. In extreme conditions, a person suffering from the disorder may need to be admitted to the hospital.
HMPV, in most cases, produces less severe symptoms than COVID-19 but poses a risk to the lives of those with compromised immune systems, leading to pneumonia and respiratory failure.
However, even as new HMPV virus cases have been reported in the country [India], the symptoms are mostly mild. Overall, these types of people should avoid going out so much: the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
