Recent outbreaks of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapeutic insights

The present review aims to discuss comprehensively about the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) which is a respiratory pathogen belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae. Since December 2024, northern China has seen a significant rise of respiratory diseases, including HMPV, particularly among youngsters. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that HMPV was responsible for 6.2% of positive respiratory disease tests and 5.4% of hospitalizations during this time. Similar increases in HMPV cases have been seen in Malaysia, Kazakhstan, India, and Italy. India verified the first instances in early January 2025, including infections in newborns. Human Metapneumovirus initially identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, HMPV is now recognized as a global cause of respiratory infections, particularly among vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Its potential to cause widespread outbreaks has raised concerns about its pandemic potential. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing is considered as the most sensitive and specific approach for identifying HMPV. It entails amplifying viral RNA from respiratory specimens (such as throat swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, and sputum samples). There are currently no licensed antiviral medications for HMPV. However, some supportive therapy may be proved as beneficial in the HMPV infections. Among these, supplemental oxygen therapy, anti-pyretics (Acetaminophen or Paracetamol), Beta-2 agonists (Albuterol etc.), corticosteroids (Prednisolone etc.), Ribavirin (its efficacy against HMPV is not well documented), hydration therapy and antibiotics are included. Keywords: Human Metapneumovirus, Paramyxoviridae, respiratory pathogen, Polymerase Chain Reaction, oxygen therapy, corticosteroids,