Russia identifies risk groups for HMPV infection

Children and the elderly are most susceptible to infection with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), said the chief expert of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation on infectious diseases, Professor Vladimir Chulanov.

According to Mr. Chulanov, children under 5 years old, people over 65 years old, as well as people with immunodeficiency are groups at high risk of being infected with this virus.

Mr. Chulanov noted that the symptoms of diseases caused by metapneumovirus are similar to the usual manifestations of acute respiratory infections, including cough, runny nose and high fever. In addition, in adults, the virus manifests itself as an acute respiratory illness or is completely asymptomatic.

According to Professor Chulanov, metapneumovirus, one of the classic pathogens of acute respiratory diseases, is spreading rapidly around the world, including in Russia. It is transmitted mainly through airborne droplets, less commonly by contact. This virus is especially active during the peak of seasonal flu season.

Also related to the above virus, on January 5, Director of the Center for Research on Prevention and Treatment of Viral Diseases and Director of the Herpes Center of the Moscow Scientific Research Institute of Moscow State University Georgy Vikulov said that people infected with the disease caused by this virus are mainly people under 14 years old, the disease is less common in adults although there is no clear link between HMPV disease and age.

Mr. Vikulov added that the incubation period is very short, from 3 to 5 days. Symptoms appear after contact with an infected person and the virus itself will be transmitted from person to person.