New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) In light of the recent emergence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, a specialist from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) highlighted on Saturday that this virus is not as lethal as Covid-19 but can cause lung infections in certain individuals.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, who chairs the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, informed IANS that HMPV is frequently observed in young children, and currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment advised.

He stated, "The HMPV or Human Metapneumovirus is not a killer virus. It does not lead to severe pneumonia or result in deaths like Covid did during the initial stages of the pandemic," Jayadevan remarked.

"In fact, this virus is so prevalent among young children that nearly 100 percent of them are likely to be infected by the age of four or five," he added.

According to the expert, for the majority of individuals, HMPV will only produce mild symptoms.

Additionally, "it can lead to bronchiolitis (lung infection) and exacerbate asthma in a minority of cases. It may also impact those with pre-existing lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as adults with weakened immune systems," the doctor explained.

First identified in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that common symptoms associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

Jayadevan noted that HMPV is among several viruses known to cause mild respiratory infections in young children, along with common coronaviruses, rhinovirus, adenovirus, RSV, and influenza viruses.

"Among these, RSV is particularly recognized for causing infections in young children. The situation in China is not as alarming as some reports may indicate. China is experiencing winter, especially in its northern regions, and this winter has been harsh," he told IANS.

"HMPV should not be regarded as more alarming than it typically is during any regular winter season," he added.

While "no vaccine or antiviral treatment is recommended at present," Jayadevan advised taking precautionary measures to mitigate the transmission of this virus.

These measures include frequent handwashing, remaining at home when exhibiting respiratory symptoms, and avoiding close contact with others while symptomatic.