Global alert for human metapneumovirus outbreak in China: similarities and differences with Covid-19

An outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the north of China turned on the world alarmsdue to the number of infections that caused the collapse of hospitals. It’s a respiratory pathogen with mortality rates worrying especially in children, older adults and people with comorbidities such as COPD or diabetes.

He is part of the same family as the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (VSR) and had already been first identified in 2001although it is estimated that the first infections occurred in the 60s.

The risk of dying from this virus is 11% in serious cases, a higher percentage than other viruses, and incidence of cold is important since exacerbates the chances of infection. However, neither World Health Organization (WHO) nor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued formal alerts so far.

Human metapneumovirus: how it is similar to Covid-19

The metapneumovirus has several similarities with Covid-19which brings back some memories of the recent pandemic awakening general fear. One of their similarities is that both They are transmitted through airborne dropletsa mechanism that has already become familiar with said virus.

Besides, its appearance resembles to the characteristic ball shape with spikes. They also have similar symptoms such as cough, fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, wheezing and difficulty breathing, although metapneumovirus is accompanied by the presence of a rash.

Unlike the Coronavirus, however, this virus currently affecting China raises the possibility of several reinfections throughout life. The thing is 90% of children were infected with it before the age of 10 at some point.

Furthermore, both HMPV and SARS-CoV-2 are viruses Enveloped and highly mutagenic RNAwhich allows them adapt quickly. This mutation mechanism, known as “photocopying error”raises the risk that they may arise more virulent or treatment-resistant variants.

However, the comparison with Covid-19 also highlights the lessons that should not be forgotten, where prevention remains key. In fact, many clinical laboratories in Argentina do not have the capacity to perform routine HMPV diagnoses by RT-PCR, which could complicate an eventual local response to a significant outbreak.

This HMPV outbreak in China comes precisely when the fifth anniversary of the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although the situation is not yet comparable in scale, the metapneumovirus highlights the importance of not underestimating respiratory diseases and of strengthening health and prevention systems.

What is human metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

He human metapneumovirus (HMPV) was discovered in 2001 and belongs to the family of Pneumoviridaealong with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus can cause respiratory infections in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, mainly affecting small children, older people and those with compromised immune systems.

The vulnerable groups include:

• Children under 5 years: They are more likely to develop serious respiratory infections due to their still developing immune system.
• People over 65 years old: Your immune system’s ability to defend against infections decreases with age, making you more susceptible.
• Individuals with chronic diseases as lung diseases, cardiovascular either neurologicalwhich can further complicate respiratory infections.
• People with compromised immune systemslike those who are receiving immunosuppressive treatmentspeople living with HIV or those who received a organ transplant.