HMPV in newborns: Understanding the risks and how to prevent

Human metapnemovirus (HMPV) is not a new respiratory virus, but there are many cases of infectious diseases reported in China. The virus, which can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild colds to severe pneumonia, appears to have already expanded into India with over 15 cases. It is known to affect young children, newborns, and the elderly most. Most children suffer from mild infections, but babies are particularly prone to severe HMPV infection. One of the main reasons behind this is that these babies’ immune systems are still developing. In fact, infants underlying health conditions or premature births are susceptible to complications. This will provide essential precautions for early identification, treatment, and virus management.

What is HMPV?

Human metapnemovirus is a common respiratory virus that can cause several infections, from mild colds to severe pneumonia, especially in young and newborns. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, it spreads quickly through respiratory drops. Most children suffer from mild infections, but newborns are particularly prone to severe infections due to the development of the immune system, as seen in a study published by Statpearls. These infections can lead to major problems, including bronchitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs), pneumonia, and even death in some cases.

Symptoms of HMPV in newborns

Symptoms of HMPV in newborns, infants, and children can range from mild to severe, like other viral infections. As mentioned in the World Health Organization, here is the symptoms.

• In most cases, it is the first symptom of a runny nose.
• Coughing can be mild or severe and can sometimes be accompanied by wheezing.
• Low to medium heat generation.
• Fast or work breathing, wheezing, flaring nostrils.
• Increased sensitivity and decreased activity.
• Dehydration, blue skin, lips, nails.
• Difficulties in breastfeeding or bottled breastfeeding due to breathing problems or pneumonia.

What causes HMPV in newborns?

Some of the factors that increase the risk of HMPV infection in newborns, infants and children include:

1. Immature

Premature babies born 37 weeks before pregnancy have an undeveloped immune system, making them particularly susceptible to infections such as HMPV. As seen in the research published by the author’s manuscript, their weak immune systems struggle to produce enough antibodies to effectively attack infections. Furthermore, white blood cells, which are essential to combating infections, may not function optimally. Therefore, the hypoimmune system of premature babies can make them more vulnerable to severe HMPV infection and lead to serious complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and potentially long-term respiratory problems.

2. Chronic health

Newborns with underlying chronic health problems such as congenital heart defects (cardiac structure problems), chronic lung disorders (pulmonary diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia are very likely to develop weakness in the immune system for a variety of reasons. These existing health problems weaken the respiratory and immune system and reduce the ability to fight infection. As a result, even moderate HMPV infections can progress quickly to critical problems in these weak infants, requiring urgent medical care.

3. Exposure to infected people

Close contact with individuals infected with HMPV significantly increases the risk of infection in newborns. This includes siblings, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others who come into contact with their infants, as stated by the World Health Organization. Infected people may unconsciously spread the virus through respiratory drops that occur when they cough, sneeze, or speak. Newborns have limited exposure to the outside world, and newborns with immune system development are particularly affected by acquiring infections from those around them, underscoring the importance of infection control measures to protect vulnerable infants.

How to prevent HMPV in newborns?

As suggested by pediatrician Dr. Shailaja Mane, here are some prevention tips to protect newborns, infants, and children from human metapnemovirus.

• Focus on thorough hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before and after treating your baby, changing diapers and preparing food. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Keep your newborn away from people who have coughing, sneezing, or other signs of respiratory illness. If possible, minimize exposure to busy areas during peak respiratory virus season.
• Using appropriate disinfectant, frequently touching surfaces in the home, such as doorknobs, countertops, changing tables, toys, etc., are touched regularly.
• Breastfeeding provides valuable antibodies to help newborns strengthen their immune system and protect them from infections like human metapnemovirus.
• Make sure your older siblings are up to date with vaccinations, including influenza and other respiratory viruses. This helps reduce spread spread of these infectious diseases within households.

While these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of human metapneum virus infection, it is important to remember that they may not eliminate the risk, especially during the peak season of respiratory viruses. If you have any concerns about your newborn’s health, consult your pediatrician.