No Need for Alarm Over HMPV; Stay Calm Amidst Pathogen Discoveries: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
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New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) There is no cause for concern regarding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), declared Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organisation, on Monday. This statement comes as two additional cases have been reported in the nation, raising the total count to five.
She emphasized that the virus is not novel and typically results in only mild infections.
"#HMPvirus is nothing to fear. It’s a recognized virus that triggers respiratory infections, mostly mild in nature," Swaminathan mentioned in a post on the social media platform X.
She cautioned against the tendency to react excessively to the detection of every pathogen and recommended standard preventive measures such as hand washing.
"Instead of panicking at the detection of each pathogen, we should adhere to standard precautions when experiencing cold symptoms: wear a mask, wash hands, steer clear of crowded places, and seek medical advice if severe symptoms arise," the esteemed scientist advised.
According to the ICMR, HMPV represents roughly 3 percent of respiratory pathogens identified within the laboratory network that tests for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).
She mentioned that other circulating viruses include Influenza A & B, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV, adding, "No fatalities have been reported in India thus far."
This reassurance comes as five children tested positive for the virus in Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), and Tamil Nadu (2) on Monday.
Health authorities reported that all affected children are recovering well, with one already discharged.
In the meantime, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressed the media, stating that the government is closely monitoring the situation in China and neighboring countries.
He reassured the public that "there is no need for alarm."
HMPV was initially identified in 2001 and belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes RSV. Common symptoms associated with HMPV comprise cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
