hMPV Virus Outbreak in China: Crowded hospitals and crematoriums, masks, and social distancing—sound familiar? You might be having flashbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, history seems to be repeating itself as China grapples with another outbreak of a respiratory illness, pushing its healthcare system to the brink.
In recent days, photos and videos of congested hospitals and overcrowded cemeteries in China have gone viral, evoking memories of the devastating COVID-19 crisis. This new respiratory illness is caused by a virus known as Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). It is noteworthy that the virus has now afflicted a number of Asian countries.
According to China’s health authorities, the virus is spreading across the northern regions of the country. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that northern China is the worst affected.
Till now, neither Chinese officials nor the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a state of emergency at this stage. However, the social media posts from the country has caused panic among the public. One undated video appears to show the waiting room of a hospital full of patients.
Following the outbreak, health authorities in all of Asia are keeping a close watch on the flu outbreak and the respiratory virus spread in China. Reportedly, regions surrounding China are implementing strict monitoring measures. Hong Kong, for instance, has reported very few cases. According to South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News, Japan’s health authorities are actively monitoring the issue.
Japan reported thousands of cases nationwide following a significant influenza outbreak, as reported by local media on Saturday. According to Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 94,259 flu patients were reported in one week leading up to December 15th across 5,000 hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The total number of cases in Japan for the current season has now reached 718,000.
What is the HMPV virus?
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) belongs to the Pneumoviridae, Metapneumovirus genus and it is an enveloped single-stranded negative-sense RNA virus. It was first detected by Dutch scholars in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples of children with respiratory infections caused by unknown pathogens in 2001.
According to a report by NDTV, the virus has existed for at least 60 years and it is distributed all over the world as a common respiratory pathogen. The outbreak has raised concerns among the healthcare facilities, especially children’s hospitals, which are reportedly under stress due to a sharp rise in pneumonia and “white lung” cases. This is a term often referred to describe severe pneumonia symptoms.
Like Covid-19, HMPV is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
“hMPV is most contagious during the late winter and early spring, though infections can occur year-round,” Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram told Financial Express.com.
What is the status hMPV in India?
As the case of hMPV infection continue to rise in China, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Union Health Ministry in India is closely monitoring cases of respiratory and seasonal influenza in the country.
According to a report by news agency ANI, while the reports regarding HMPV outbreak in China remain unconfirmed, the health body is reportedly in touch with international agencies in this regard.
After an update from the WPRO (Western Pacific Region), which is one of the six regions of the World Health Organisation (WHO), sources were quoted by ANI as saying, “The data from December 16-22, indicates a recent rise in acute respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), however, the overall scale and intensity of respiratory infectious diseases in China this year is lower than last year. A seasonal increase in respiratory pathogens is expected in the northern hemisphere, particularly during the winter period.”
“There have been no reported cases of HMPV in India but keeping in mind the COVID pandemic, we have to be extra cautious and follow all social preventive measures . The govt should take all proactive measures to diagnose and prevent spread of HMPV . We have to remember social hygiene protocols will play the most important role in preventing its spread,” Dr. Tayal told Financial Express.com.
According to Dr. Jayalakshmi T.K Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, past experiences with outbreaks have taught us that vigilance is key.
“Indian health authorities are likely keeping a close watch on global developments, ready to respond to any changes in infection trends,” Dr. Jayalakshmi told Financial Express.com.
Can you prevent hMPV infection?
Some of the steps that you can take to prevent the infection include:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers .
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Isolate yourself if you are sick to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, toys, and electronic devices.
- Protect Vulnerable Individuals
- Maintain a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep.