THERE IS NO NEED TO PANIC
Background:
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), part of the Pneumoviridae family, is a respiratory (RNA) virus that causes acute respiratory tract infections in all ages. It causes respiratory illnesses worldwide during the winter season. The virus has been reported worldwide since it was first reported in 2001.
High-Risk Groups:
- Young Children: Infants and toddlers
- 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’s and the baby’s health.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: Those with weakened immune systems
Transmission:
- Respiratory or airborne Droplets: The virus can spread when someone who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing respiratory droplets into the air.
- Direct Contact: The virus can spread through physical contact with an infected person, especially if one touches their face, eyes, or mouth.
- Surface Contamination: The virus can persist on surfaces, and touching contaminated objects such as doorknobs or mobile devices heightens the risk of infections.
Incubation period:
- The incubation period is usually 3 – 6 days.
Symptoms in Adults:
- HMPV symptoms in adults often resemble those of a common cold or flu that last roughly 2-5 days.
- Persistent cough, often accompanied by mucus production.
- Nasal congestion or runny nose.
- Fever, typically mild to moderate.
- Fatigue and general body aches.
- Sore throat.
- Shortness of breath in severe cases.
Symptoms In Children
Children aged 5 or younger more frequently get infected. 5-16% of children will develop a lower respiratory tract infection such as pneumonia.
- Persistent cough, often accompanied by mucus production.
- Nasal congestion or runny nose.
- Fever, typically mild to moderate.
- Fatigue and general body aches.
- Sore throat.
Some Children experience severe symptoms, including:
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing and persistent cough
- High fever
- Poor feeding and dehydration, especially in infants
Diagnosis:
HMPV symptoms resemble those of other respiratory infections. Precise diagnosis is dependent on specific laboratory tests.
- HMPV PCR Test: This molecular test detects the virus’s genetic material with high accuracy and is regarded as the gold standard for diagnosing HMPV. (Respiratory viral panel)
- Bronchoscopy: To look for changes in the airways of the lungs in severe cases.
Prevention:
- Vaccines are not available.
- Follow the culture of ‘Namaste’
- Screen patients at the time of entry to hospital, outpatient department, emergency department with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection
- Provide and wear triple layered masks to patients with fever or respiratory symptoms and those in the high-risk groups.
- Perform cough etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a yellow bin, then wash hands thoroughly.
- Perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes; before eating; after using the toilet; after touching public installations such as handrails or doorknobs; or when hands are contaminated by respiratory secretion after coughing or sneezing.
- Initiate contact and droplet isolation for patients admitted in hospital
- Self-isolate and stay at home if you have respiratory symptoms
- Regularly clean and disinfect high touched surfaces and commonly shared items with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution with a contact time of 10 minutes. Metallic surface, disinfect with 70% alcohol.
- Crowd control and visitor policy within all areas of hospital
Treatment:
HMPV does not have a specific antiviral medication. Treatment primarily aims at managing symptoms and preventing complications.
- Rest and Hydration and supportive medical treatment
- Oxygen Therapy: In severe cases, supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be required.
- Hospitalisation: Patients with complications, such as pneumonia, may need close monitoring in a hospital setting.