No need to panic, but vigilance is necessary

On human metapneumovirus (HMPV), the country’s leading virologist, Dr. Soumitra Das, has said that it cannot be compared with coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), but it needs to be handled carefully. Das, professor and chairman of the department of microbiology and cell biology, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, said the virus is not new and first appeared in 2001.

“HMPV is not a new virus, so there is no need to panic. However, one should take it seriously and be cautious,” he told News18.

HMPV: Identified in 2001

• First appeared in 2001:
  • HMPV was first identified in a child in 2001.
  • It can cause respiratory diseases.
• Outbreak in China:
  • For the first time since 2001, China has recorded a major outbreak of the virus.
• Outbreaks are rare:
  • Dr. Das said that till now there was no information about a major outbreak of HMPV, as has now been seen in China.

Early symptoms of HMPV

According to Dr. Das, the initial symptoms of HMPV infection are usually like common cold.

• Early symptoms:
  • Cough.
  • Cold.
  • Sore throat.
• in extreme cases:
  • In people with weak immunity, it can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation in the lungs) and pneumonia.
  • It can have a greater impact on infants and the elderly.

Comparison with SARS-CoV-2 is not possible

Dr. Das clarified that HMPV is not as serious as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19).

• Not a threat like Covid-19:
  • HMPV does not currently pose a global threat like Covid-19.
• Causes of ILI and SARI:
  • In some cases, it can cause influenza-like illness (ILI) or acute respiratory infection (SARI).

Who should be more cautious?

Dr. Das said that even though HMPV may not be serious, these groups need to take special precautions:

1. Infants and young children.
2. Elderly.
3. People with weak immunity.

“People with weakened immunity and young children especially need to be protected from this virus.”

Use of INSACOG will increase

• HMPV monitoring:
  • INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium) can be used to enhance surveillance of HMPV in India.
• What is INSACOG?
  • It is a network of more than 50 labs, which monitors the genomic variations of the Covid-19 virus.
  • It is used to identify and understand new virus subvariants.
• Genome Sequencing:
  • This technology can help track any changes in viruses like HMPV.

HMPV: Vigilance necessary, but not panic

• Message from Dr. Das:
  • HMPV is not a new virus and there is no need to panic.
  • However, special caution should be taken for people with weak immunity and infants.
• India’s preparation:
  • Using INSACOG’s network, India is fully prepared to monitor HMPV and take necessary action.