Amid reports of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed the detection of two HMPV cases in Karnataka, ANI reported on Monday.
The surge in respiratory illnesses in China has drawn parallels to the COVID pandemic, which also originated in the country. However, HMPV is not a “mysterious virus”, Hyderabad-based Dr Shivranjani Santosh told South First in an interview. This virus is not rare or new and cases of HMPV are reported every year.
‘HMPV is not a mysterious virus’: Shivranjani Santosh
Urging the public to be aware of the current situation, Shivranjani Santosh told South First that there is no need to panic over HMPV cases in India. He stressed the need to create awareness and remain alert.
“We see it every year. This is not a mysterious virus. If there is any new mutation then there is no information about it yet. Let’s be cautious but avoid creating unnecessary suspense or panic. Precautions are as important as ever,” South First quoted Santosh as saying in an interview.
symptoms of hmpv virus
Throwing light on the symptoms of the HMPV virus, Dr Santosh told South First that in most cases the symptoms of the infection are similar to “normal flu” such as “cough, cold and fever”. He also said that with symptomatic treatment the infection resolves within three to five days. In rare cases, the patient may require “oxygen support”.
When can HMPV become a cause for concern in India?
Highlighting the need for prevention and precautions to avoid the spread of the viral infection, the doctor said it is important to closely monitor “possible new mutations” of HMPV.
Since there has been no official update on the hMPV mutation in India, the main focus “should be on educating the public to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, be it hMPV, influenza or RSV,” South First reported. Shivranjani Santosh is a pediatrician who has treated HMPV cases since 2022.
HMPV in India
The two cases were detected in Karnataka as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory diseases across the country, the health ministry said in a release.
HMPV is a respiratory virus that is spreading globally, including in India. It has been linked to respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual increase in cases in India.
ICMR stressed that despite the detection of these two cases, there has been no significant increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases in the country.
