Is HMPV similar to COVID-19 Virus? Things you must know about HMPV which is causing panic in China, India and other nations

China is seeing a worrying rise in respiratory illnesses, with a virus called Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) becoming a major concern. Although the government hasn’t declared a state of emergency, health authorities have been taking steps to handle new and unknown diseases since December 2024.

Many social media posts have shown pictures and videos of overcrowded hospitals in China, which has led to worries about a possible emergency declaration over HMPV. However, no official statement has confirmed this. Even though these posts are causing fear, the situation remains serious, and the number of HMPV cases is rising. According to a Reuters report, China’s disease control authorities have started a system to monitor cases of pneumonia from unknown causes.

How Similar Is HMPV To COVID-19?

Although HMPV and the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) belong to different viral families, they share many similarities. Both primarily affect the lungs and can cause mild to severe breathing problems. They spread in similar ways, through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, and by touching contaminated surfaces. The common symptoms for both include fever, cough, sore throat, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at higher risk for severe illness from both viruses. To prevent the spread, common measures like washing hands, wearing masks, and practising social distancing are recommended for both. HMPV, like Covid-19, spreads more in certain seasons, especially during winter and spring.

However, a big difference between the two is that there are vaccines for Covid-19, but not for HMPV. Also, there are treatments for Covid-19, like Paxlovid, but options for treating HMPV are limited.

Should We Be Worried About HMPV?

India recently reported its first cases of HMPV. Five cases were confirmed in different cities: Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Salem. In Bengaluru, two infants were affected, one of whom has been discharged, while the other is recovering in the hospital. The Ministry of Health confirmed that these infants had no travel history, meaning they didn’t get infected from abroad.

Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, urged people not to panic. He said, “Citizens must not panic. The state health department will soon issue a comprehensive advisory on the situation. It is not a new virus. It is coming again. We will reissue an advisory regarding the virus.”

HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and belongs to the same family as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). While HMPV often causes mild symptoms like a cough, sore throat, and a runny nose in healthy people, it can cause more serious problems in young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. In these people, HMPV can lead to pneumonia and bronchitis, and worsen conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).