INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The HMPV cases are now reportedly rising in Malaysia
In 2024, 327 HMPV cases were reported in the country, a 45% increase compared to 225 cases in 2023
This increase comes amidst reports of rising respiratory illnesses in other countries, including China.According to the Straits Times,
One case is also suspected in Gujarat.The HMPV infection in India was detected in a three-month old girl and an eight-month old boy who were
treated at Baptist hospital-Bengaluru
Both the children came in with symptoms of pneumonia, the girl has since been discharged and the boy is recovering, the Indian media
that there was no history of international travel in the two cases that were picked up during surveillance, meaning that these infections
have no connection to the reported surge in respiratory infections in China.This comes amid a surge in HMPV cases in China, leading to
overcrowded hospitals and fears of a wider outbreak
The respiratory virus, which causes symptoms similar to a cold, was also detected in Malaysia last year.Five years after the outbreak of the
deadly Covid-19 pandemic that claimed over 7 million lives across the global, the HMPV virus in China is being monitored by several
countries.HMPV infections have been documented nationwide in China as the government has ramped up screening, identification and isolation
procedures to address unidentified infections
videos show patients coughing at the hospitals amid a spike in respiratory illness
Officials have said that China seen an increase in HMPV cases, particularly among children under the age of 14 in northern areas, reported
news agency Reuters.Rising cases of HMPV in ChinaThe spike in cases coincides with colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions
that typically fuel the spread of respiratory viruses
recently reported an increase in respiratory infections, including HMPV, during the winter
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not flagged the situation as a global health emergency, but the rise in cases has prompted
authorities to bolster monitoring systems.A pilot programme has been launched to track pneumonia of unknown origin, ensuring labs and health
agencies report and manage cases more effectively, state broadcaster CCTV reported, quoting an administration official at a news
conference.Can HMPV virus spread to other countries?Hong Kong has reported a few cases of HMPV
Neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Taiwan are keeping a close watch on the situation
experiencing a surge in HMPV cases, alongside other respiratory illnesses like influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19
Reports suggest hospitals in some regions are overwhelmed, but Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not declared
a state of emergency.Who is most at risk from HMPV?HMPV can affect people of all ages, but the most vulnerable groups include:-Children
under five, particularly infants.-Older adults, especially those over 65.-People with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory
conditions like asthma or COPD.How does HMPV spread?HMPV spreads through:-Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.-Close contact,
such as shaking hands or touching someone infected.-Contact with contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.-The
virus often circulates seasonally, peaking in late winter and spring in temperate regions.What are the symptoms of HMPV?According to the
CDC, symptoms include:-Cough and runny or stuffy nose.-Fever.-Sore throat.-Wheezing or shortness of breath in severe cases.In more serious
cases, it can escalate to bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma exacerbations.How is HMPV diagnosed?Testing is rare unless symptoms are severe or
Diagnostic methods include:-Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT): Detects viral genome in respiratory secretions.-Immunofluorescence or
Enzyme Immunoassay: Detects viral antigens.How can HMPV be prevented?-The CDC recommends the following precautions:-Wash hands frequently
with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.-Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.-Wear masks in crowded areas during
outbreaks.-Stay home when sick to prevent spreading the virus.-Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly.Is there a treatment for
HMPV?There is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for HMPV
Symptom management includes:-Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest.-Using over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain, congestion, and
fever.-Severe cases may require hospitalization for oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.How does HMPV compare to COVID-19?-Both HMPV and
COVID-19 cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing, fever, congestion, and shortness of breath
They also spread through respiratory droplets.-HMPV: Peaks during winter and spring.-COVID-19: Spreads year-round due to evolving
variants.-Post-COVID-19 lockdowns, surges in HMPV cases have been observed as populations re-expose themselves to respiratory pathogens.When
should you seek medical attention?Consult a healthcare provider if symptoms:-Worsen after a few days.-Include difficulty breathing or
cyanosis (bluish skin).-Occur alongside chronic health conditions like asthma or COPD.Is HMPV a new pandemic threat?No, HMPV is not a new
virus or an imminent pandemic threat
Seasonal surges are common, particularly during the winter months
However, the increase in cases post-COVID-19 restrictions has raised concerns.The HMPV virus was first identified in children in 2001 in the
Infection with HMPV usually occurs by the age of five years with reinfection occurring throughout life as immune protection induced by the
tract infections being among the most common
While the virus often causes only mild disease, it can lead to severe illness requiring hospitalisation in children, immunocompromised
populations and the elderly.Globally, 3%-10% of hospital admissions and 1% of acute lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children
under age five in 2018 are attributed to HMPV, as per a 2021 paper
The study also found that children younger than six months, especially those in low- and lower-middle-income countries, are at greater risk
of the heightened surveillance and testing for the virus.--With agencies inputs
