HMPV is weak, but five other viruses are active in India.

ICMR report: every year in winters these viruses spread the most; all have the same symptoms.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV):
Introduction:

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. The virus particularly affects children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immunity. It is part of the paramyxovirus family and has a structure similar to that of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The human metapneumovirus (HMP) virus, which is causing panic in China, is in a very weak state in India. Five types of viruses are spreading much more than that, which have spread in different states in the last three months. This information has come to light in the surveillance report of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

According to the report, like every year, this time also, H1N1, i.e., swine flu, H3N2, Victoria, Corona, and RS virus cases are being seen the most in India. The symptoms of all these infections are similar, due to which they are being identified in the cold and cough patients reaching the hospitals. Compared to these five viruses, HMP is in a very limited situation. An official said that ICMR has established the ILI-SARI Surveillance Network to monitor different types of viruses and their spread in India. This network includes almost all the big government and private hospitals as well as laboratories of the country.

Victoria virus in 26 percent of samples

Citing the report, the official said that in the last week of the year 2024, 26 percent of the samples were found to be infected with Victoria virus, while 14 percent samples were found infected with RSV. H3N2 virus was confirmed in six percent of the samples and H1N1 virus in 12 percent. Victoria virus is a lineage of influenza B virus, while RSV is said to be a viral cousin of the HMP virus. Both these viruses belong to the same family and both also have seasonal overlapping. RSV cases often increase in the early winter months, and HMPV cases increase from mid-winter to early spring.

A review report is prepared every month based on the samples of the patients arriving here and their reports.

Sharing the same report in a virtual meeting chaired by the Union Health Secretary, Director General of Health, Dr. Atul Goyal, said that there are no signs of abnormal increase anywhere in the country.

In 2024, 324 people died of influenza.

During the meeting, the New Delhi-based Center for Disease Control (NCDC) informed us that the spread of viruses like Influenza A, i.e., H1N1, is being seen more at ground zero than what is being discussed about the HMP virus. Between January 1 and November 30, 2024, 324 people have died due to this infection in India, while 19,872 people were found infected. This figure is the highest after the year 2019. Before Corona, in 2019, 28,798 people were affected by swine flu, out of which 1,218 patients died.

 Current Situation (India):

• A few cases of HMPV have been reported in India recently.

• The affected areas include Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Nagpur.

• According to experts, the virus is mostly infecting individuals with weakened immunity.

• The situation is currently under control, and there is no evidence of widespread spread.

• As of early January 2025, a few cases of HMPV have been reported in India. A three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy have tested positive for the virus in Bengaluru. Additionally, a case has been reported in Ahmedabad.

Symptoms: Symptoms of HMPV infection can range from mild to severe. These include:

1. Mild symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Mild fever
• Cough
• Fatigue

2. Severe symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Bronchiolitis (inflammation of respiratory tract)
• Pneumonia
• Spread of infection:
• HMPV spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also survive on surfaces that are frequently touched, such as door handles, tables, etc.

3. Treatment:

• There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine available.
• Supportive care is given to control symptoms, such as:
• Medicines for fever and pain
• Hydration (drinking enough water)
• Oxygen therapy in severe cases

4. Preventive measures:

• 1. Hygiene:
• Wash hands regularly.
• Cover mouth while coughing or sneezing.
• 2. Use of masks:
• Wear masks in crowded places.
• 3. Mosquito prevention:
• Do not allow water to accumulate (for other viruses).
• 4. Boost immunity:
• Eat nutritious food and get enough sleep.
• 5. Maintain distance from sick people:
• Avoid coming in contact with infected persons.
• 6. Follow health advice:
• If you feel sick, consult a doctor and follow their advice. 

5. Interesting facts related to HMPV:

• This virus is mostly active in cold and dry weather.
• It is considered to be the major respiratory infection-causing agent in children below 5 years of age.
• The spread of the virus is slower than COVID-19, but it should not be taken lightly. 

6. Role of Government and Health Organizations:

• Special testing kits for HMPV have been made available in hospitals and labs to enhance surveillance.
• Extensive awareness campaigns are being conducted.
• Necessary guidelines are being given to prevent infection in health institutions.

■ Recent data shows that between October 2024 and January 5, 2025, more than 20 percent of samples of patients with cold, cough, and fever in the country have been found to be infected with H1N1-like infection, which is about four times more than HMP, because between the years 2001 and 2024, a maximum of 5 percent of samples were found infected with HMP every year in India. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral therapy available for HMPV. Hence, following personal hygiene and precautions is the most effective prevention.