China is observing an outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in its northern provinces particularly in children under 14 years of age. India is closely monitoring the situation in China. Till 4 cases are there in India of HMPV Cases in children.

About Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

• A respiratory tract virus causes mild infections similar to that caused by Common Cold.
• Virus of Pneumoviridae family.
• Discovered earlier in 2001 by Bernadette G. V. D. Hoogen in Netherlands in respiratory secretions of 28 young children.
• Generally, seen in Winter and Early Spring Season.
• Transmission – Possible in Humans to Humans.
• Mainly affects the weak immune system humans, especially children and elderly people.
• As of January 2025, an outbreak of HMPV is in progress in China.

Scientific Knowledge

• Type and Family: Virus and Pneumoviridae
• Realm: Riboviria
• Kingdom: Orthornavirae
• Phylum: Negarnaviricota
• Class: Monjiviricetes
• Order: Mononegavirales
• Genus: Metapneumovirus
• Species: Human metapneumovirus
• Discovered: Earlier in 2001 in Netherlands by Bernadette G. V. D. Hoogen

Symptoms

• Main Symptoms –
  • Cough,
  • Fever,
  • Nasal Congestion,
  • Wheezing,
  • Sore, throat,
  • Shortness of Breath.
• No specific treatment and vaccine available yet.
• Incubation period – Generally, 3 to 6 days.

This virus is diagnosed through the broader use of Molecular Diagnostic Testing (MDT) which led to increased identification and awareness of the virus.

References

1. News Sources
2. National Library Website