(NewsNation) — China has reported a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus, particularly among children, with some online claiming hospitals are overwhelmed.
China has pushed back on those claims and said the increase in cases is due to an increased ability to detect and identify HMPV.
What is it?
HMPV is a virus that causes upper respiratory symptoms, with some cases also leading to lower respiratory symptoms like pneumonia.
It’s part of the same genus of viruses as RSV and the symptoms of the two can be similar.
Most people contract HMPV before the age of five, and although it is possible to be infected again, subsequent infections are usually milder.
A first-time HMPV infection is more likely to cause severe illness, which is why worse cases are often seen in children.
What are the symptoms?
HMPV is similar to the common cold for most people. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, coughing, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, wheezing and a rash.
For most people, the illness will be mild. Children are at most risk from HMPV, as well as those over 65 or those with weakened immune symptoms.
HMPV can also aggravate existing conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
How is the virus spread?
Like most viruses, HMPV is spread by coming into contact with an infected person or from objects contaminated with the virus.
Coughing, sneezing, shaking hands, kissing and touching easily contaminated objects like doorknobs and phones are all ways the virus can be spread.
Proper handwashing, covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, avoiding touching your face, staying home when sick and social distancing can help avoid spreading HMPV. Masking is also effective in curbing the spread, with China mandating masks in some regions hit hard by the virus.
Where is the virus spreading?
The majority of cases reported right now come from northern China. In light of the outbreak, some other countries have also stepped up monitoring.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does monitor HMPV so an uptick in the U.S. should be caught by scientists. However, it is not on the list of diseases that states are required to report to the CDC.
Will this become another pandemic?
Experts say there is no need to be concerned about another COVID-19 situation with HMPV.
One major reason is that the disease has been circulating for decades and many adults have already been exposed, building up some immunity, something that wasn’t the case with COVID.
Experts also say there has been no evidence that HMPV has been mutating into a more serious illness, though it will require additional testing to confirm this is the case.
What to do if you think you have HMPV?
There are no treatments for HMPV, but there may be supportive care for severe cases, including oxygen therapy, IV infusions and corticosteroids.
In most cases, people can manage symptoms at home by drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated and using over-the-counter medications.
If you or your child experience symptoms lasting more than a few days, call your doctor. If you or your child is having trouble breathing, has blue lips or nails or has a fever above 103, go to the ER immediately.
