HMPV cases in India: How dangerous is it? How could it affect high-risk groups? A complete guide

The buzz over HMPV, or Human metapneumovirus, mounted as India confirmed two cases of the virus at a Bengaluru hospital on Monday. Reports on social media claimed that “hospitals in China are overwhelmed as outbreaks of 'influenza A' and 'human metapneumovirus' resemble the COVID-19 surge from three years ago.” Later, Chinese state media cited an official from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention as saying that infections with influenza flu, rhinovirus, HMPV and mycoplasma pneumonia are now the most common among hospital visits. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “.studies have shown that it has existed for at least 60 years, being distributed all over the world as a common respiratory pathogen.” HMPV outbreak: Symptoms and signs of severity Those infected with the HMPV virus could suffer from symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. HMPV infection can cause severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children, and its symptoms are indistinguishable from those caused by human respiratory syncytial virus. HMPV virus: How it may affect high-risk groups Here's what high-risk groups infected with the HMPV virus may experience, as per the information provided by Max Healthcare: Young children: Infants and toddlers are vulnerable to serious respiratory conditions, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.