What is HMPV in China? Human coronavirus and its symptoms explained.

the Human metapneumovirusHMPV, also known as HMPV, is reportedly on the rise in China, raising questions about what the disease is and whether it is a concern for U.S. residents.

Chinese health officials have not confirmed that HMPV is driving hospitalizations in the country, as reported in recent reports Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Suggest that the increase may actually be Because of influenza A. But with less public knowledge about HMPV in the United States, fears have increased about a potential new pandemic — although experts say there’s no need to get alarmed.

“Fears of a pandemic could be calmed.” Dr. Carla Garcia Carreño, The director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Plano Medical Center told CBS News, adding that not only is the virus fairly stable, but it’s also not a new virus like COVID-19. “This has been circulating for a while, so people have some immunity to this human pneumonia virus.”

What is HMPV?

HMPV is a virus that can cause upper and lower respiratory illness in people of all ages. Young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of serious illness from the virus.

The duration of the illness varies depending on the severity of an individual’s condition but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus (HMPV).

According to the CDC, symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include:

• cough
• fever
• Nasal congestion
• shortness of breath

“Clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” the CDC website notes.

Is HMPV a new virus?

HMPV is not new. It was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the pneumovirus family along with respiratory syncytial virus, or RSVaccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It may have been widespread even before that — for decades or more than a century, Garcia Carreño said.

In the United States, HMPV typically spreads beginning in the winter and continuing into or through spring, the CDC says, and can spread simultaneously with RSV and influenza during the respiratory virus season.

Is HMPV worse than coronavirus?

Experts say the HMPV outbreak in China is not a major concern, as it is neither a new mystery disease nor responsible for as many cases as the coronavirus or other infections so far this season. According to the latest CDC data, HMPV accounts for less than 2% of weekly positive tests for respiratory viruses. In comparison, flu accounted for nearly 19% and COVID-19 just over 7% in the same week.

For a disease to be considered locally widespread, positive results must be above 10% for two weeks. At 1.9%, Garcia Carreño said it’s nowhere near the numbers for flu, COVID and RSV.

Researchers estimate that about 10% to 12% of respiratory illnesses in children are caused by HMPV, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

The clinic’s website adds: “Most cases are mild, but about 5% to 16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia.”

HMPV transmission and prevention

HMPV is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or through touching objects contaminated with the virus.

“Unfortunately, compared to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and Covid, we do not have a vaccine against human pneumonia, so we do not have the advantage of preparing or strengthening our immune system to fight these viruses,” Garcia Carreño said. “But still, everything we learned about Covid could apply to methane.”

To prevent illness, take steps similar to preventing other respiratory viruses, which means washing hands with soap and water and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

“If someone is sick, try to avoid crowds so they don’t expose everyone, especially vulnerable people,” Garcia Carreño said. “If this person is sick and cannot avoid going somewhere where other people are around, try using a mask, follow good coughing and sneezing etiquette, and wash hands well.”