Back in 2001, a respiratory infection called human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was first detected, which caused symptoms similar to those of the common cold.
Now, it seems that the virus or a strain of it has once more reared its ugly head. It is extremely prevalent in China but, worryingly, is also starting to gain momentum in other countries around the world.
What are the symptoms of the new virus HMPV?
One of these is the UK, where reports are that the number of cases is beginning to overwhelm hospitals. In fact, recent figures show that the number of incidents has doubled in the past month. Those with more severe symptoms are likely to experience shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing, similar to that associated with bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. As might be expected, those with a compromised immune system, children and the elderly are most at risk of developing complications.
Wishing to learn from the past and avoid another pandemic like COVID-19, experts are urging China to be more transparent about the specifics of the strain that is circulating. They are concerned that they are playing down the severity of the situation by stating respiratory infections are ‘less severe’ and ‘smaller in scale’ compared to last year.
What is the new illness in China?
For example, Dr Catchpole, chief scientific officer at infectious disease testing firm hVIVO, has said, “HMPV is usually detected in the winter period, but it does seem that the rates of serious infection may be higher in China than what we would expect in a normal year.”
“We need more information on the specific strain that is circulating to start to understand if this is the usual circulating strain or if the virus causing high infection rates in China has some differences.”
Genomic data will guide vaccine development for HMPV
Likewise, according to the Daily Mail, Dr Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious disease expert at The Australian National University, echoes Dr Catchpole’s sentiments in urging China to be more transparent about what they may be dealing with.
Specifically, he said, “We will need genomic data confirming that HMPV is the culprit and that there aren’t any significant mutations of concern. Such genomic data will also guide vaccine development.”
While this all sounds a little alarming and very reminiscent of the days leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, the consensus at this stage is not to panic. All experts agree that the current outbreak in China is unlikely to cause a global crisis.
However, if COVID-19 taught us one thing, it is to be more cautious and hypervigilant for potential outbreaks, and the term ‘human metapneumovirus’ (HMPV) certainly has a scary ring to it.
