HMPV: How Temperature, Humidity, and Surfaces Affect its Transmission

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) can lead to serious health complications, especially in vulnerable populations. With symptoms ranging from mild coughs and fevers to severe respiratory distress, understanding HMPV is crucial for safeguarding your health and the well-being of your loved ones.

Environment Stability of HMPV-

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) can survive outside the human body for varying lengths of time depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and surface type. While specific studies on HMPV’s survival are limited, similar respiratory viruses provide some insights.

1. Temperature: HMPV, like many respiratory viruses, tends to survive longer at lower temperatures. Cold temperatures (around 4°C or 39°F) may allow the virus to remain viable for a longer period compared to warmer temperatures (around 37°C or 98.6°F), where its stability decreases more rapidly.

2. Surface Survival:

   • On hard surfaces (like plastic or metal), viruses similar to HMPV can survive for several hours to days.

   • On porous surfaces (like cloth or paper), their survival time is generally shorter.

3. Humidity: Higher humidity levels can also affect the stability of respiratory viruses, often increasing their survival time compared to dry conditions.

Symptoms typically appear 3 to 6 days after exposure to the virus and can last for several days to a week. In some cases, especially among young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals, HMPV can lead to more severe respiratory illnesses, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Common Symptoms:

• Cough: Persistent coughing is a typical symptom.
• Fever: Elevated body temperature. Patients may experience a mild to moderate fever.
• Runny or Stuffy Nose: Nasal congestion or discharge.
• Sore Throat: Pain or irritation in the throat. A sore throat can accompany other respiratory symptoms.
• Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing
• Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Difficulty breathing.
• Rash: Skin irritation or rash in some cases
• Fatigue: General tiredness or fatigue is common during an infection.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches can occur.
• Muscle Aches: Some patients may report body aches or muscle pain.
• Chills: Chills may occur along with fever.
• Loss of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat may be noted.
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Poor feeding and dehydration, especially in infants

At-Risk Groups:

• Young Children: Especially those under 5 years old (infants and toddlers).
• Older Adults: Particularly those over 65.
• People with Weakened Immune Systems: Including those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.
• Pregnant women: affect both maternal health and fetal development

Severe Symptoms:

• Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, more common in children.
• Pneumonia: Infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
• Asthma Exacerbation: Worsening of asthma symptoms.
• Croup: A condition that causes swelling around the vocal cords, leading to a barking cough.
• Ear infections: common in children due to secondary bacterial infections

The Medical Bulletin