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Infants and toddlers are at the greatest risk of suffering from an hMPV infection, a seasonal virus in the news identified more than two decades ago. While generally harsh the first time, symptoms are usually mild with subsequent reinfections.
(SNS) - A recent outbreak of hMPV in China in the current news cycle around the world because the China government is taking the rapid spread seriously, taking a preventive stance, asking citizens to wash their hands frequently, masking up, and pushing early testing.
Is there a reason to worry?
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), "In adults of all ages, HMPV is a common infection, and, although often asymptomatic, it can result in serious infection that requires hospitalization."
Exactly who is at high risk of suffering from complications
- Young Children: Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to serious respiratory conditions, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
- Older Adults: Individuals aged 65 or above, as well as those with chronic health concerns such as asthma or COPD, are more likely to have complications.
- Pregnant Women: HMPV during pregnancy can result in respiratory issues, which may endanger both the mother and infants' health.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems, whether due to medical conditions or treatments like chemotherapy, are at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms.
What is hMPV?
hMPV was first discovered in 2001 by scientists from the Netherlands in a group of children where tests for other known respiratory viruses were negative. It is in the same category of viral infections as the Pneumoviridae family and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
It is believed the virus originated in birds before adapting to infect humans. Genetic studies indicate it likely circulated among humans for decades before it was identified by scientists.
According to the CDC, hMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory infections. Because we spend more time indoors during colder months, hMPV is more likely to circulate during the winter and spring months when other similar diseases, such as RSV and the flu, are prevalent.
The American Lung Association says that hMPV is most commonly spread from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected. Shaking hands, hugging or kissing as well as coming in contact with viral material from coughing and sneezing or touching objects such as toys or doorknobs are the usual methods of infection.
Resembling other respiratory illnesses, diagnosis and treatment can be assessed via three methods. There is a PCR test, much like the now standard COVID-19 test, available for doctors. The hMPV is a molecular test that detects the virus' genetic material with high accuracy and is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis. Doctors can also use a Rapid Antigen Test. While providing faster results, they are less sensitive in detecting the virus compared to PCR tests.
The final method is the more evasive Bronchoscopy, which looks for changes in the lung tissue. A bronchoscopy is a standard procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the lungs, trachea, and bronchi using a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope. The procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat a variety of lung conditions.
hMPV usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold that lasts roughly 2-5 days and goes away. Most children who get infected with hMPV are age 5 or younger. According to Cleveland Clinic, you can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection. Severe symptoms and complications affect a small number of children (5-16%) who may develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia. The majority of the infections occurred in children under the age of 14,
Once infected, patients will develop varying levels of immunity to subsequent exposures according to Cleveland Clinic. "You can get HMPV again, but symptoms are usually mild after your first infection."
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