Mexico Reports First Death from HMPV, Hundreds Possibly Infected Amidst Speculations a New Subtype Has Emerged
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 10, 2025 4 hours, 5 minutes ago
Medical News: The tranquil neighborhood of Villa de Cactus in Soledad de Graciano Sánchez, Mexico, has been thrust into the spotlight following the tragic death of a young boy believed to have succumbed to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). This alarming incident marks the first reported death attributed to HMPV in Mexico, igniting concerns about the spread of the virus, with hundreds potentially infected across the country.
https://www.lanoticiaalpunto.com/post/san-luis-potos%C3%AD-sospechan-cuarto-caso-de-metapneumovirus-humano-tras-muerte-de-menor
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Mexico Reports First Death from HMPV, Hundreds Possibly Infected Amidst Speculations a New Subtype Has Emerged
A Rapidly Escalating Health Crisis
Family members of the deceased boy revealed that what began as mild flu-like symptoms on January 4 rapidly escalated. Within three days, the child’s condition deteriorated into severe bronchiolitis, resulting in his untimely death on January 7. Authorities in San Luis Potosí acted swiftly, imposing strict COVID-19-style measures during the funeral, including mandatory face masks, social distancing, and hand sanitization. These precautions were maintained until the burial, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
Yes, HMPV is an Old Virus, but a New Subtype or Lineage Has Possibly Emerged in China and is Now Spreading Globally.
In December, reports emerged that HMPV was rising and wreaking havoc in China.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/human-metapneumovirus-infections-on-the-rise-in-china
The WHO and China along with many health officials and doctors around the world downplayed the situation and claimed that HMPV is just an old respiratory virus that surges during the cooler months were normal and that there was nothing to worry about.
However, as the situation worsens in China with many infected requiring hospitalization and ICU care along with an increase in the cases of encephalitis, it is becoming clearer that a new HMPV subtype or lineage has emerged. However, no entity or country has conducted proper genomic sequencing nor released the data on any genomic surveillance done.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/online-media-claim-that-china-has-declared-a-health-emergency-and-that-hospitals-and-crematoriums-are-overflowing-is-it-true
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/emerging-novel-lineages-of-human-metapneumovirus-in-china-mark-the-start-of-2025
ections-and-hospitalizations-continue-to-rise-in-china-while-researchers-are-focusing-on-the-new-lineages-from-subtype-a2">https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/hmpv-infections-and-hospitalizations-continue-to-rise-in-china-while-researchers-are-focusing-on-the-new-lineages-from-subtype-a2
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/as-crisis-escalates-in-china-locals-rush-to-stock-up-on-xofluza-which-is-not-effective-against-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv
HMPV viruses are known to evolve and mutate often as in the case of a more virulent strain that emerged in Spain in 2021.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/in-2021-new-hmpv-variants-emerged-in-spain-drove-disease-severity-yet-no-genomic-surveillance-of-what-is-happening-today
This
Medical News report aims to delve into what is currently brewing across Mexico in term of HMPV infections.
Hundreds Possibly Infected Nationwide
Across Mexico, health experts and officials are grappling with the potential spread of HMPV. In Nuevo León, Alma Rosa Marroquín Escamilla, head of the state’s Health Secretariat, confirmed two cases of HMPV.
https://www.unotv.com/estados/nuevo-leon/detectan-dos-casos-de-metapneumovirus-humano-en-nuevo-leon-que-es-y-cuales-son-sus-sintomas/
Meanwhile, Sinaloa’s Secretary of Health, Cuitláhuac González, reported 150 suspected cases. Fortunately, none of these cases have resulted in fatalities, and patients are reportedly receiving adequate care. However, concerns persist as online reports suggest a wider, unconfirmed outbreak.
https://x.com/c_viralcancun/status/1877408519072174289
Globally, HMPV is emerging in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and India, raising alarms about its potential impact. In Mexico, where the virus has historically been under the radar, this incident has spurred heightened vigilance among health authorities.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-several-cases-of-human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-found-in-indonesia
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/influenza-positivity-rate-in-united-kingdom-rises-to-29-5-percent-hmpv-infections-also-rising
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/three-month-old-female-infant-becomes-second-hmpv-case-in-bengaluru-india
The Historical Context of HMPV in San Luis Potosí
Dr. Daniel Ernesto Noyola Cherpitel, a leading researcher at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí (UASLP), shed light on the historical presence of HMPV in the region. He noted that the virus was first detected two decades ago in a local daycare. A recent study conducted between August 2023 and August 2024 at the Hospital del Niño y la Mujer revealed that HMPV accounted for 17.4% of respiratory infections in children. While less prevalent than respiratory syncytial virus (41%) and SARS-CoV-2 (17.7%), the virus remains a significant health concern.
Vulnerable Groups and Risks
HMPV primarily targets vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. While most infections are mild, severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. Given these risks, health officials in San Luis Potosí and beyond are closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to adopt preventative measures such as good hygiene and prompt medical attention for respiratory symptoms.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
The tragic death in San Luis Potosí serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by HMPV, particularly to vulnerable populations. While health authorities work to confirm details and prevent further infections, public awareness and adherence to health guidelines remain crucial. The emergence of HMPV in Mexico underscores the importance of ongoing research and preparedness in combating emerging infectious diseases.
For the latest HMPV News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/hmpv-human-metapneumovirus
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