While the world has started to breathe again after the COVID outbreak forced the entire world to put a mask on its face, a worrisome development from Beijing has started to induce fear among people globally. Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat of a new virus, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), has created panic in China. Videos are emerging from China, showing hospitals overflowing with patients. Social media posts are claiming that due to the virus outbreak, there is a shortage of space in hospitals and cemeteries. Along with HMPV, Influenza A, Mycoplasma Pneumonia and COVID-19 are also active.
Amid online panic over the threat of a pandemic, it is important to note that no credible report has confirmed these posts yet. Chinese health officials and the World Health Organization have not issued any warning about a new pandemic. However, many people have also claimed that China is hiding the real situation.
What is happening in China?
The number of respiratory patients in China has increased rapidly. Children and the elderly are being affected the most by this. Young children, whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, are particularly susceptible. The elderly or people with conditions such as asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are also at higher risk. The elderly or people with conditions such as asthma or COPD are also at higher risk. Its symptoms are similar to those of the flu or a cold, including fever, cough, runny nose, and sometimes wheezing.
Interestingly, many reports are calling Human Metapneumovirus aka HMPV- COVID-like virus. However, there is a major difference between Human Metapneumovirus and Coronavirus.
How is HMPV different from COVID-19?
As per reports, HMPV is a member of the Pneumoviridae family of viruses, on the other hand, COVID-19 comes from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Now, the question is why both are being termed more or less similar.
The answer is almost identical symptoms. Both can cause Runny nose, cough, fever, congestion, sore throat, and shortness of breath. However, HMPV is likely to cause wheezing and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs), especially in young children. On the other hand, COVID-19 symptoms include loss of taste or smell, fatigue, headache, skin rash, and in severe cases, blood clots and organ damage.
As per the University of California, HMPV generally peaks during spring and winter. On the other hand, COVID-19 can spread in any season.
It is pertinent to mention here that reports suggest that HMPV spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing, close contact such as touching or shaking hands, contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Is HPMV deadlier than COVID-19?
The University of California has termed HPMV as 'little known'. Talking about whether it is deadlier than COVID, Larissa May, a professor of emergency medicine and an expert in public health and testing for infectious diseases was quoted saying by University of California report, "HMPV is not something most people need to worry about. It’s essentially another cause of the common cold."
However, it is also a fact that there is currently no vaccine for HMPV and nor are there any forms of antiviral therapy used to treat it. HMPV is usually treated by doctors by focusing on caring for the symptoms, with the hope that the body can then beat the virus on its own.
Should India be concerned about the HPMV outbreak in China?
Talking to True Scoop, Dr. Naresh Bathla, a Chest Physician said yes. Dr. Bathla said, "Any viral disease is of global concern." Dr. Bathla also pointed out the proximity between India and China in terms of geolocation and the frequency of travelers between both countries.
Dr. Naresh Bathla also suggested that although there is no need to panic, preventive measures can be followed by everyone like using hand sanitizers regularly, using a face mask if going outside or in a public place, etc.