In a world still healing from the spectre of Covid-19, even a faint resemblance to the previous outbreak may feel like an alarming threat.

It's no surprise, then, that new virus human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is spreading in neighbouring China-especially among children under the age of 14-has sparked global concerns.

However, Indian health experts and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have dismissed the likelihood of HMPV causing widespread disruption.

The reports of global media agencies indicate an increase in HMPV cases in China, particularly among young children under 14 in northern provinces. Also, unverified claims on social media show that hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed, indicating a similar scenario during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Neither China nor the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed or declared any emergency. Let's understand what is HMPV and why Indian experts believe there is no reason for alarm yet.

What is HMPV?

According to the American Society for Microbiology, since the discovery of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in 2001, the virus has been identified worldwide. In 2001, Van Den Hoogen reported the discovery of a novel virus in children with respiratory tract illness in The Netherlands.

RSV or respiratory syncytial virus, a pneumovirus, is the most closely related human pathogen to HMPV, and the genomes of the viruses have similar features as well as distinct differences.

This virus is a common respiratory pathogen, particularly in infants and young children, and is associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract infections and may be a trigger for asthma. Studies have shown that it proves lethal majorly among infants.

"Evidence from many studies has demonstrated that HMPV is responsible for a substantial proportion of LRTI (lower respiratory tract infections) in infants and young children and is second only to RSV as a cause of bronchiolitis in early childhood," according to a published review titled 'Epidemiology of Human Metapneumovirus'.

Key Symptoms

The virus spreads moderately easily and mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them. Being in close contact with others, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces, increases the chances of catching it.

Dr Sanchayan Roy, senior consultant, internal medicine at Apollo Spectra in Delhi's Chirag Enclave, explained that HMPV is a widely acknowledged respiratory virus that mainly affects the lungs and airways.

"While it generally presents with mild cold-like symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, and fever, HMPV can lead to more severe complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems."

'Coronavirus-Like Symptoms But Not Deadly': Experts

There is no genuine data or source of information coming from China to show that the country is suffering from an outbreak of HMPV, former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist Dr Raman Gangakhedkar told News18.

Gangakhedkar, the country's top epidemiologist, believes that HMPV is not capable of causing another pandemic as it has been prevalent across the globe for the last many years and the majority of the population has already developed an immunity against the virus. "It can only harm young children below five years who are yet to gain exposure or immunocompromised individuals, that too in rare scenarios."

On the ground, doctors are not witnessing any noticeable increase in cases of respiratory tract infections. "So far, we haven't witnessed any substantial rise in respiratory illness cases, and we don't expect a situation that would create panic," said Dr Kirti Sabnis, infectious disease specialist, at Fortis Hospital Mulund & Kalyan.

Sabnis added that while HMPV behaves similarly to coronavirus, the positive part is that it's not a new pathogen. Fortunately, the illness it causes is generally short-lived, "prevailing only for three to six days".

Similarly, Dr Arjun Khanna, head, pulmonary medicine at Faridabad-based Amrita Hospital, underlined that infections with metapneumovirus have been previously reported from various regions across the globe.

"It is a common respiratory virus," he emphasised, adding that there is no cause for panic. "For the majority of individuals, these infections present as self-limiting upper respiratory tract illnesses. However, in those with compromised immune systems, these infections may progress to pneumonia and involve the lower respiratory tract."

In fact, the Indian health agency has clarified that the virus spreading in China is "like any other respiratory virus that causes cold", and there is no need for alarm.

"HMPV spread in China is like any other respiratory virus that causes cold, there is no need for alarm," Dr Atul Goel, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said, while also suggesting regular precautions against respiratory infections.

Dr Niranjan Patil, scientific business head, infectious diseases, microbiology & molecular biology at Metropolis Healthcare Limited, said: "We have been testing for HMPV since 2017 using US FDA-approved advanced and automated FilmArray multiplex PCR technology."

"The combination of cold weather, worsening air pollution, increased international air travel, festive gatherings, and crowding creates an ideal environment for the spread of HMPV."

What can be done?

The rise in cases in China calls for a need to stay cautious and vigilant, especially during winters when respiratory infections are generally on the rise.

To minimise the risk, adhering to basic preventive measures is crucial, experts told News18.

These include wearing a well-fitted N95 mask, practising regular hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, and maintaining overall vigilance. These precautions mirror the steps successfully adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"By staying cautious and proactive, we can effectively protect ourselves and ensure that the situation remains manageable," said Khanna from Amrita Hospital.

Though no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine is available for HMPV, preventive measures are the strongest weapon.

Frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded places, maintaining good respiratory hygiene, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals are crucial steps. In a country like India, awareness and early detection are extremely important.

Roy from Apollo Spectra advises that parents should monitor children for prolonged cough, difficulty in breathing, or persistent fever and seek medical attention promptly. "Adults with chronic respiratory conditions should also take precautions to avoid infections. While HMPV has not caused any major concerns here yet, vigilance will be key in preventing its spread."