Delhi&rsquo;s health authorities have issued an advisory to address potential health issues arising from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory illnesses. The advisory follows reports of increasing respiratory infections in neighbouring countries, particularly China.
On Sunday, Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, held a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to assess Delhi&rsquo;s readiness to manage respiratory illnesses.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-union-health-ministry-holds-meeting-amid-rising-cases-respiratory-illnesses-in-china-8592258">'No unusual surge': Indian health ministry on rise in HMPV, respiratory illnesses in China</a>
Here are the key points from the advisory: 
Hospitals have been directed to report all cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-see-a-sharp-rise-in-flu-cases-over-5000-patients-being-treated-in-last-week-8588620">Influenza</a>-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) through the IHIP Portal without delay.&nbsp;
Strict isolation measures and universal precautions have been made compulsory for suspected cases. Additionally, hospitals must maintain detailed records of SARI cases and laboratory-confirmed influenza cases for accurate monitoring.
Healthcare facilities have also been instructed to ensure the availability of essential medicines such as paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups for treating mild cases. Oxygen supplies are to be readily accessible for severe cases.
<h2>Reports of a rise in respiratory illnesses in China</h2>
This advisory comes amid reports of a rise in respiratory illnesses in China. However, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-hmpv-and-what-are-its-symptoms">World Health Organisation</a> (WHO) have confirmed that, as of 2 January 2025, there has been no significant surge in respiratory infections in India.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-hmpv-scare-beijing-confirms-infection-surge-calls-it-annual-winter-occurrence-8589673">China HMPV scare: Beijing confirms infection surge, calls it 'annual winter occurrence'</a>
In response to the situation in China, the Union Health Ministry convened a Joint Monitoring Group meeting on Saturday, chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services. According to the health ministry, the increase in respiratory illnesses in China is consistent with the seasonal flu pattern. Common winter pathogens, such as the Influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), have been identified as the main contributors.
<h2>What is HMPV?</h2>
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
The virus was first identified in 2001 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
(With inputs from agencies)

India news: Hospitals have been directed to report cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) through the IHIP Portal without delay.

Delhi’s health authorities have issued an advisory to address potential health issues arising from the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory illnesses. The advisory follows reports of increasing respiratory infections in neighbouring countries, particularly China. On Sunday, Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, held a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to assess Delhi’s readiness to manage respiratory illnesses. Also read: 'No unusual surge': Indian health ministry on rise in HMPV, respiratory illnesses in China Here are the key points from the advisory: Hospitals have been directed to report all cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) through the IHIP Portal without delay. Strict isolation measures and universal precautions have been made compulsory for suspected cases. Additionally, hospitals must maintain detailed records of SARI cases and laboratory-confirmed influenza cases for accurate monitoring. Healthcare facilities have also been instructed to ensure the availability of essential medicines such as paracetamol, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and cough syrups for treating mild cases. Oxygen supplies are to be readily accessible for severe cases. Reports of a rise in respiratory illnesses in China This advisory comes amid reports of a rise in respiratory illnesses in China. However, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have confirmed that, as of 2 January 2025, there has been no significant surge in respiratory infections in India. Also read: China HMPV scare: Beijing confirms infection surge, calls it 'annual winter occurrence' In response to the situation in China, the Union Health Ministry convened a Joint Monitoring Group meeting on Saturday, chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services. According to the health ministry, the increase in respiratory illnesses in China is consistent with the seasonal flu pattern. Common winter pathogens, such as the Influenza virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), have been identified as the main contributors. What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. The virus was first identified in 2001 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi issues health advisory amid rising respiratory illness cases in China

Beijing on Friday (Jan 3) reacted to the reports of rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV in China, downplaying it as an annual seasonal reoccurrence. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed the surge while talking to the media, blaming it on the &ldquo;winter season.&rdquo;&nbsp; "Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season," said China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.&nbsp;
"I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China," Mao said, adding that "it is safe to travel in China."
<h2>Overcrowded hospitals</h2>
Earlier, photos and videos emerged on social media appearing to show overcrowded hospitals in China amid a spike in respiratory illnesses.&nbsp;
Reacting to those reports, Mao Ning said, &ldquo;The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year."
<h2>What is HMPV?</h2>
Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus which can affect individuals of all age groups, especially children, senior citizens and those with weak immune systems.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first identified the virus in 2001.
<h2>Symptoms of HMPV</h2>
The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of flu and respiratory infections.
In some cases, the virus can cause bronchitis or pneumonia and common signs include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nothing-to-be-alarmed-about-says-indias-health-body-on-reports-of-hmpv-outbreak-in-china-8588912">'Nothing to be alarmed about,' says India's health body on reports of HMPV outbreak in China</a>
The incubation period for the virus is generally between three and six days.
<h2>India&rsquo;s cautious call</h2>
Reacting to the reports of the outbreak in China, the top Indian health body, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) also stressed Friday that there was nothing to be alarmed about, saying no cases of HMPV have been reported in the country.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-see-a-sharp-rise-in-flu-cases-over-5000-patients-being-treated-in-last-week-8588620">England sees a sharp rise in flu cases, over 5,000 patients treated last week</a>
News agency ANI reported that India&rsquo;s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Photos and videos emerged on social media appearing to show overcrowded hospitals in China amid a spike in respiratory illnesses. 

Beijing on Friday (Jan 3) reacted to the reports of rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus, or HMPV in China, downplaying it as an annual seasonal reoccurrence. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed the surge while talking to the media, blaming it on the “winter season.” "Respiratory infections tend to peak during the winter season," said China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. "I can assure you that the Chinese government cares about the health of Chinese citizens and foreigners coming to China," Mao said, adding that "it is safe to travel in China." Overcrowded hospitals Earlier, photos and videos emerged on social media appearing to show overcrowded hospitals in China amid a spike in respiratory illnesses. Reacting to those reports, Mao Ning said, “The diseases appear to be less severe and spread with a smaller scale compared to the previous year." What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus which can affect individuals of all age groups, especially children, senior citizens and those with weak immune systems. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first identified the virus in 2001. Symptoms of HMPV The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of flu and respiratory infections. In some cases, the virus can cause bronchitis or pneumonia and common signs include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. Also read: 'Nothing to be alarmed about,' says India's health body on reports of HMPV outbreak in China The incubation period for the virus is generally between three and six days. India’s cautious call Reacting to the reports of the outbreak in China, the top Indian health body, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) also stressed Friday that there was nothing to be alarmed about, saying no cases of HMPV have been reported in the country. Also read: England sees a sharp rise in flu cases, over 5,000 patients treated last week News agency ANI reported that India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was closely monitoring respiratory and seasonal influenza cases in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

China HMPV scare: Beijing confirms infection surge, calls it 'annual winter occurrence'

Over five years after the Covid pandemic originated in China and led to worldwide health chaos, the country is now facing another virus outbreak.&nbsp;
According to reports and social media posts, China is dealing with an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
As per social media posts, a state of emergency has been declared in China as not just HMPV, but other viruses including Influenza A are rapidly spreading.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HMPV:
<h2>What is HMPV?</h2>
According to the Cleveland Clinic, HMPV usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. Most of the cases of HMPV are mild, but young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk for serious illness.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-facing-hmpv-outbreak-symptoms-and-precautions-8587512" rel="dofollow">HMPV outbreak in China? Amid viral videos and govt ambiguity, know symptoms and precautions</a>
Cleveland Clinic says that HMPV often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, and asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
The infections are more common during winter and early spring.
<h2>What causes HMPV?</h2>
"A virus &mdash; a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself &mdash; causes HMPV. It&rsquo;s part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps," Cleveland Clinic says.&nbsp;
<h2>What are the symptoms?</h2>
The symptoms include- cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rash.
<h2>How does the virus spread?</h2>
HMPV transmits through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-dealing-with-new-epidemic-five-years-after-covid-19-claim-reports-8586676" rel="dofollow">China dealing with new epidemic five years after COVID-19, claim reports</a>
The virus can spread by coughing and sneezing; shaking hands, hugging or kissing; and touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys.
<h2>What precautions should be observed?</h2>
These precautions can be observed to avoid getting infected:
&gt; Washing hands often with soap or using a hand sanitiser.
&gt; Covering nose or mouth while sneezing or coughing.
&gt; Wearing a mask when you're sick and cannot avoid being around others.
&gt; Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.
&gt; Avoid sharing food or eating in same utensils.
<h2>How can HMPV be treated?</h2>
Doctors treat HMPV with the following methods- oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and corticosteroids.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

HMPV, which stands for human metapneumovirus, is more common during winter and early spring. Though most cases are mild, certain categories of people are at a higher risk for serious illness. 

Over five years after the Covid pandemic originated in China and led to worldwide health chaos, the country is now facing another virus outbreak. According to reports and social media posts, China is dealing with an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV). As per social media posts, a state of emergency has been declared in China as not just HMPV, but other viruses including Influenza A are rapidly spreading. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about HMPV: What is HMPV? According to the Cleveland Clinic, HMPV usually causes symptoms similar to a cold. Most of the cases of HMPV are mild, but young children, adults over the age of 65 and people with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk for serious illness. Also read | HMPV outbreak in China? Amid viral videos and govt ambiguity, know symptoms and precautions Cleveland Clinic says that HMPV often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, and asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse. The infections are more common during winter and early spring. What causes HMPV? "A virus — a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself — causes HMPV. It’s part of the same group of viruses that cause RSV, measles and mumps," Cleveland Clinic says. What are the symptoms? The symptoms include- cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rash. How does the virus spread? HMPV transmits through direct contact with someone who has it or from touching things contaminated with the virus. Also read | China dealing with new epidemic five years after COVID-19, claim reports The virus can spread by coughing and sneezing; shaking hands, hugging or kissing; and touching surfaces or objects like phones, door handles, keyboards or toys. What precautions should be observed? These precautions can be observed to avoid getting infected: > Washing hands often with soap or using a hand sanitiser. > Covering nose or mouth while sneezing or coughing. > Wearing a mask when you're sick and cannot avoid being around others. > Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean. > Avoid sharing food or eating in same utensils. How can HMPV be treated? Doctors treat HMPV with the following methods- oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and corticosteroids. (With inputs from agencies)

China faces new virus outbreak- What is HMPV? A few FAQs answered

China HMPV Virus Symptoms: Videos and social media posts have emerged online claiming to show an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, sparking concerns worldwide. Visuals purportedly showing overcrowded hospitals are making rounds on the internet, claiming there's a surge in outbreaks of HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19. Some unconfirmed posts even claimed that China had declared a state of emergency as the disease allegedly spreads.
<h2>China tight-lipped</h2>
Notably, there is no official confirmation or denial yet of an outbreak.
Posts shared on X were accompanied by a &lsquo;community note&rsquo; generated by the social media platform, saying there was no information available to back up the claim.
Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5gev070-7e03mpvs-ghpo74es">
⚠️ BREAKING: China 🇨🇳 Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums. Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. <a href="https://t.co/GRV3XYgrYX">pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX</a>
&mdash; SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVID19_disease/status/1874481684122607783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&ldquo;There is no information to back up the claim that China has declared a state of emergency over epidemics overwhelming the hospitals and crematoriums in the country,&rdquo; the note said.
It also carried a link to the official website of the National Health Commission of the People&rsquo;s Republic of China.
At the time of writing this, that website had no new information about alleged outbreak and emergency measures being taken by the government.
<h2>What is HMPV?</h2>
Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus which can affect individuals of all age groups, especially children and senior citizens and those with weak immune systems.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first identified the virus in 2001.
<h2>Symptoms of HMPV</h2>
The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of flu and respiratory infections.
In some cases, the virus can cause bronchitis or pneumonia and common signs include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
The incubation period for the virus is generally between three and six days.
<h2>Precautions to take. Is there a treatment for HMPV?</h2>
HMPV spreads through coughing and sneezing, so wearing a mask can help avoid transmission.
We should wash our hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds.
Avoiding contact with people with illness is highly recommended.
If you are feeling unwell, it&rsquo;s best to stay at home.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-dealing-with-new-epidemic-five-years-after-covid-19-claim-reports-8586676" rel="dofollow">Also read: China dealing with new epidemic five years after Covid-19, claim reports</a>
As of now, there is no treatment or vaccines available for the HMPV. Only severe cases might require hospitalisation.
(With inputs from agencies)

China HMPV Virus Symptoms: In some cases, the virus can cause bronchitis or pneumonia and common signs include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. 

China HMPV Virus Symptoms: Videos and social media posts have emerged online claiming to show an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, sparking concerns worldwide. Visuals purportedly showing overcrowded hospitals are making rounds on the internet, claiming there's a surge in outbreaks of HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and COVID-19. Some unconfirmed posts even claimed that China had declared a state of emergency as the disease allegedly spreads. China tight-lipped Notably, there is no official confirmation or denial yet of an outbreak. Posts shared on X were accompanied by a ‘community note’ generated by the social media platform, saying there was no information available to back up the claim. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. ⚠️ BREAKING: China 🇨🇳 Declares State of Emergency as Epidemic Overwhelms Hospitals and Crematoriums. Multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, are spreading rapidly across China. pic.twitter.com/GRV3XYgrYX — SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID-19) (@COVID19_disease) January 1, 2025 “There is no information to back up the claim that China has declared a state of emergency over epidemics overwhelming the hospitals and crematoriums in the country,” the note said. It also carried a link to the official website of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China. At the time of writing this, that website had no new information about alleged outbreak and emergency measures being taken by the government. What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus which can affect individuals of all age groups, especially children and senior citizens and those with weak immune systems. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first identified the virus in 2001. Symptoms of HMPV The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of flu and respiratory infections. In some cases, the virus can cause bronchitis or pneumonia and common signs include cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. The incubation period for the virus is generally between three and six days. Precautions to take. Is there a treatment for HMPV? HMPV spreads through coughing and sneezing, so wearing a mask can help avoid transmission. We should wash our hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds. Avoiding contact with people with illness is highly recommended. If you are feeling unwell, it’s best to stay at home. Also read: China dealing with new epidemic five years after Covid-19, claim reports As of now, there is no treatment or vaccines available for the HMPV. Only severe cases might require hospitalisation. (With inputs from agencies)

HMPV outbreak in China? Amid viral videos and govt ambiguity, know symptoms and precautions

As cases of COVID-19 and RSV decline, another respiratory virus called HMPV has started&nbsp;spreading its tentacles.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In March, around 11 per cent of PCR tests and 20 per cent of antigen tests for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were positive in the US.&nbsp;

The positivity rate has increased by 36 per cent in comparison to the pre-pandemic levels. Although the percentages were high in April, they decreased in May.&nbsp;

A report published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there has been a decrease in positivity rates during the warmer months, which is similar to what has been observed in flu and colds.&nbsp;

The data states that the Antigen detection rate and PCR detection rate as observed on April 3, 2023, were 19.395 and 10.368, respectively, which decreased to the rate of 0.000 and 2.558, respectively, when observed on May 20, 2023.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report states that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can affect a person's upper and lower respiratory tracts irrespective of their age and have higher vulnerability in older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

HMPV's severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. The incubation period for HMPV is around three&nbsp;to six&nbsp;days, and the recovery period from the illness depends on its severity. However, it is similar to other respiratory infections, such as colds.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sars-cov-2-virus-can-alter-our-dna-lead-to-long-covid-study-575438">SARS-CoV-2 virus can alter our DNA, lead to long Covid: Study</a>

<h2>What is human metapneumovirus?</h2>

First discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, human metapneumovirus is a type of paramyxovirus, which is a family of viruses that cause multiple common infections.&nbsp;

Other paramyxoviruses include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, measles and mumps.

"This one usually causes a cold — not a big deal in most individuals,” stated Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California in San Francisco.

In 2001, experts collected 28 samples from children who were suffering from unexplained respiratory infections. A few children were very ill and needed mechanical ventilation, but their test results didn't show positive for any known pathogens.

<h2>Why is metapneumovirus being discussed?</h2>

There has been a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus, just like other respiratory illnesses.

This month, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported unusual spikes in cases across the United States.

According to virus experts, there has been an increase in the number of viruses, which include RSV. The experts have speculated that this may have occurred as an aftereffect of lockdowns and masking due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

As per experts, if our systems have small interactions with viruses, it prepares our body to better handle exposure to viruses in future.&nbsp;

However, after years of social distancing and masking in school, children are left with fewer biological defences to fight the exposure to multiple viruses at once.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Wuhan Virus wave grips China, again

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-virus-wave-grips-china-again-596928/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>What are the symptoms of HPMV?</h2>

The virus, which has been observed to usually make its appearance in spring and winter, most commonly affects the body's upper respiratory tract and leads to nasal congestion, cough and shortness of breath, along with fever. &nbsp;The illness generally lasts three to seven days.&nbsp;

<h2>Can HPMV turn into a serious illness?</h2>

Usually, human metapneumovirus is mild, however, the infection can lead to more serious consequences for older adults, young children, older adults and those people with weakened immune systems.&nbsp;

Human metapneumovirus has been spreading similarly to other viruses through airborne particles which are produced by sneezing or coughing, by coming in physical contact with a person who is carrying the virus, or by handling objects which are contaminated by the virus and then touching the nose, eyes or mouth, according to the CDC.

Gandhi emphasised that the virus can spread even from someone who is asymptomatic. As per a study, at least 38 per cent of infections are recorded as asymptomatic human metapneumovirus infections.

“But the time you’re most infectious in all infectious diseases is when you’re having active symptoms because you’re spreading it — you’re coughing it out through your mouth, you’re sneezing it out through your nose,” Gandhi stated.

<h2>Is there a vaccine for the virus? How is HMPV treated?</h2>

No vaccines have till now being created for human metapneumovirus, and medical treatment for the illness remains limited to supportive care.

“We try to make you feel better and make sure that your breathing is okay while your body fights off the virus,” stated William Schaffner, who is a professor of infectious diseases and preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University.&nbsp;

Schaffner said that severe cases are rare in which people have been reported to be facing difficulty in breathing. However, he added, “We can put them in an intensive care unit and treat them there,” but generally people fully recover on their own.

"Unlike the novel coronavirus and its variants that cause covid, human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that has been around for decades," Gandhi said.

“Hopefully, in the future, we will actually see advances against human metapneumovirus. But we’ve been living with it for a long time. This is not one that is going to cause a pandemic," she stated.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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As cases of COVID-19 and RSV decline, another respiratory virus called HMPV has started spreading its tentacles. In March, around 11 per cent of PCR tests and 20 per cent of antigen tests for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were positive in the US.

As cases of COVID-19 and RSV decline, another respiratory virus called HMPV has started spreading its tentacles. In March, around 11 per cent of PCR tests and 20 per cent of antigen tests for human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were positive in the US. The positivity rate has increased by 36 per cent in comparison to the pre-pandemic levels. Although the percentages were high in April, they decreased in May. A report published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there has been a decrease in positivity rates during the warmer months, which is similar to what has been observed in flu and colds. The data states that the Antigen detection rate and PCR detection rate as observed on April 3, 2023, were 19.395 and 10.368, respectively, which decreased to the rate of 0.000 and 2.558, respectively, when observed on May 20, 2023. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's report states that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) can affect a person's upper and lower respiratory tracts irrespective of their age and have higher vulnerability in older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. HMPV's severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. The incubation period for HMPV is around three to six days, and the recovery period from the illness depends on its severity. However, it is similar to other respiratory infections, such as colds. ALSO READ | SARS-CoV-2 virus can alter our DNA, lead to long Covid: Study What is human metapneumovirus? First discovered in 2001 in the Netherlands, human metapneumovirus is a type of paramyxovirus, which is a family of viruses that cause multiple common infections. Other paramyxoviruses include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza, measles and mumps. "This one usually causes a cold — not a big deal in most individuals,” stated Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease expert at the University of California in San Francisco. In 2001, experts collected 28 samples from children who were suffering from unexplained respiratory infections. A few children were very ill and needed mechanical ventilation, but their test results didn't show positive for any known pathogens. Why is metapneumovirus being discussed? There has been a surge in cases of human metapneumovirus, just like other respiratory illnesses. This month, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported unusual spikes in cases across the United States. According to virus experts, there has been an increase in the number of viruses, which include RSV. The experts have speculated that this may have occurred as an aftereffect of lockdowns and masking due to the coronavirus pandemic. As per experts, if our systems have small interactions with viruses, it prepares our body to better handle exposure to viruses in future. However, after years of social distancing and masking in school, children are left with fewer biological defences to fight the exposure to multiple viruses at once. WATCH | Gravitas: Wuhan Virus wave grips China, again What are the symptoms of HPMV? The virus, which has been observed to usually make its appearance in spring and winter, most commonly affects the body's upper respiratory tract and leads to nasal congestion, cough and shortness of breath, along with fever. The illness generally lasts three to seven days. Can HPMV turn into a serious illness? Usually, human metapneumovirus is mild, however, the infection can lead to more serious consequences for older adults, young children, older adults and those people with weakened immune systems. Human metapneumovirus has been spreading similarly to other viruses through airborne particles which are produced by sneezing or coughing, by coming in physical contact with a person who is carrying the virus, or by handling objects which are contaminated by the virus and then touching the nose, eyes or mouth, according to the CDC. Gandhi emphasised that the virus can spread even from someone who is asymptomatic. As per a study, at least 38 per cent of infections are recorded as asymptomatic human metapneumovirus infections. “But the time you’re most infectious in all infectious diseases is when you’re having active symptoms because you’re spreading it — you’re coughing it out through your mouth, you’re sneezing it out through your nose,” Gandhi stated. Is there a vaccine for the virus? How is HMPV treated? No vaccines have till now being created for human metapneumovirus, and medical treatment for the illness remains limited to supportive care. “We try to make you feel better and make sure that your breathing is okay while your body fights off the virus,” stated William Schaffner, who is a professor of infectious diseases and preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University. Schaffner said that severe cases are rare in which people have been reported to be facing difficulty in breathing. However, he added, “We can put them in an intensive care unit and treat them there,” but generally people fully recover on their own. "Unlike the novel coronavirus and its variants that cause covid, human metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that has been around for decades," Gandhi said. “Hopefully, in the future, we will actually see advances against human metapneumovirus. But we’ve been living with it for a long time. This is not one that is going to cause a pandemic," she stated. 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Explained | What is HMPV respiratory virus? The most important virus still unheard of