All you need to know about Human Metapneumovirus

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory disease that causes flu or cold-like symptoms, but can increase risks or lead to more serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among the elderly, young children, and immunocompromised people.

Where is HMPV being reported at the moment and how is the spread so far?

HMPV is reported regularly by the Aga Khan University Hospital lab, being one of the respiratory viruses in circulation.

Who is most at risk of HMPV virus?

This is a very common virus and nearly everyone has had it at least once by the age of five. Older children and adults may also become infected and as for many respiratory viruses, transmission occurs easily within families.

Is human metapneumovirus just a cold?

Human metapneumovirus most often causes symptoms similar to a cold, but some people can get very sick. You're more likely to get severely sick the first time you get HMPV, which is why young kids have a greater risk for serious illness. You get some protection (immunity) from your first infection and then are more likely to have mild, cold-like symptoms if you get another HMPV infection. Adults over 65 and people with breathing problems or a weakened immune system may also get severe symptoms.

What symptoms accompany human metapneumovirus?

Common symptoms most children and people present with include cough, fever, running nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath (dyspnea) and/or rashes.

How does HMPV spread?

Human metapneumovirus is most spread from an infected person to others through secretions from coughing and sneezing, close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, touching objects or surfaces that have the viruses on them then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

How is human metapneumovirus diagnosed?

Just like COVID-19, healthcare providers usually diagnose HMPV by obtaining a swab sample from your nose or throat. The lab tests the sample for viruses and other infections.

Sometimes, your healthcare provider may also do a bronchoscopy or chest X-rays to look for changes in the airways of your lungs.

How is human metapneumovirus treated?

There aren't any antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus. Most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better.

If you or your child are severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. There, healthcare providers will monitor your condition and help prevent your symptoms from getting worse. Treatment may include IV fluids and oxygen therapy.

How can I protect myself from contracting the virus?

You can protect yourself by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as possible or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Patients who have cold-like symptoms should cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing wash their hands frequently and correctly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds) avoid sharing their cups and eating utensils with others refrain from kissing others stay at home when they are sick.

By Professor Rodney Adam, Chair, Infection Control and Consultant Pathologist at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi