How dangerous is the HMPV virus for children?
How dangerous is the HMPV virus for children? The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which showed its outbreak in China, has started spreading in india as well. The symptoms of this virus are similar to those of COVID-19 and its effect is being seen on young children. However, health experts say that there is no need to panic about the HMPV virus. Amidst all this, a new study has come to the fore, which tells about its effect on children.A study conducted by researchers from the Regional Level Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (RVRDL), Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, india and Department of Pediatrics, JIPMER, Pondicherry, india has found a new lineage of A2.2.1 and A2.2.2 of HMPV. Researchers said that an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) was found between november 2022 and march 2023. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is known to cause acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age.What did the researchers find in the study?For the study, the researchers examined nasal samples collected from january 2021 to june 2024. They tested for HMPV using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The researchers found that most cases occurred between december and January. HMPV is a respiratory virus classified into two main genetic groups: A and B. It has A1, A2, B1 and B2 subgroups.Group A strains (A1, A2a, A2b) are often associated with outbreaks in young children and the elderly. Group B strains (B1, B2) are also prevalent,but may differ slightly in virulence and geographic distribution. Both groups mutate over time, complicating vaccine and antiviral development. This requires constant monitoring.