With reports of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) surging in China and cases found in other countries around the world, Professor Martin Michaelis, an expert in virology at Kent’s School of Natural Sciences, provides an explainer.
What is the human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
‘The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was discovered in 2001. It belongs to the large group of viruses that cause common colds and flu-like diseases. Like influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2 that causes Covid-19), and its relative respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HMPV has an RNA genome (i.e. it stores its genetic information in RNA molecules and not in DNA molecules like all living organisms, including microorganisms, plants, and animals).’
What disease(s) are caused by HMPV?
‘HMPV is very common. At the age of five, almost everyone has been infected with HMPV. It causes common cold-like diseases with symptoms including a cough, fever, and a runny and/ or congested nose.’
‘Young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals can develop more severe disease such as bronchitis and pneumonia.’
Are there treatments for HMPV, and how can I protect myself?
‘No, there are no vaccines or drugs available for HMPV. The only way of protecting yourself is by avoiding infections. HMPV spreads via the air and contaminated surfaces. Thus, protection measures are the same that we know from Covid-19. They include thorough hand hygiene, avoiding contact with others, and wearing a face mask. Being cautious will protect you and others, in particular vulnerable individuals, who are at an increased risk.’
Why is HMPV in the news now?
‘Most respiratory viruses, including HMPV, predominantly spread when it gets colder, when they are more stable and we spend more time indoors.’
‘Even before Covid-19, large outbreaks of respiratory illnesses put hospitals under pressure in the winter. However, we did not care about the viruses that caused them. Today, there is more interest in the causes of respiratory diseases, and this year there is a relative high number of HMPV cases. However, you would be surprised how little we still know about common cold viruses in general.’
Will HMPV cause another pandemic?
‘This is extremely unlikely. In contrast to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, HMPV has been around for decades, and there are high levels of immunity in the population.’