Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), reassured the public that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not something to panic about. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Swaminathan emphasized that HMPV is a known virus, and while it causes respiratory infections, most of these cases are mild. She encouraged people to take standard precautions, as they would for any respiratory illness, rather than focusing on detecting every new pathogen that makes headlines.
Dr. Swaminathan, in her statement, advocated for basic health practices that everyone should adopt during the cold season or when respiratory symptoms appear. She stressed the importance of wearing a mask, washing hands regularly, avoiding crowded spaces, and consulting a doctor if symptoms become severe. This approach, she believes, is far more effective than overreacting to emerging viruses.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India’s official medical panel, also weighed in on the matter, providing valuable insights about HMPV’s circulation in the country. According to ICMR data, HMPV accounts for around 3% of the respiratory pathogens detected in laboratories testing Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI).
Other viruses, such as Influenza A and B, SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), are also circulating in India. Despite the growing concern over HMPV, no deaths have been reported in India so far due to this virus.
HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, but some studies suggest it may have been circulating in human populations since the 1970s. This single-stranded RNA virus comes from the Pneumoviridae family and can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tract, causing flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, fever, headaches, and shortness of breath.
While most cases of HMPV are mild, the virus can become more severe in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly and young children. In these cases, it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, both of which may require more intensive treatment, such as oxygen therapy. However, doctors continue to emphasize that the overall risk remains low for most healthy individuals.
In light of the rising concern, the ICMR issued a statement clarifying that HMPV has been in circulation globally for years, including in India. They emphasized that no unusual increase in cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) has been reported across the country. The ICMR's statement aimed to calm fears and assure the public that the situation is being closely monitored.
Despite the mild nature of most HMPV cases, public health officials and doctors continue to advise the public to follow general precautions. This includes maintaining hygiene, wearing masks when symptomatic, and staying home when feeling unwell. Dr. Swaminathan’s call for avoiding panic in the face of new pathogens underlines the importance of a calm, measured response to emerging viruses.
Conclusion: Stay Calm, Follow Standard Protocols
While the presence of HMPV in the population is noteworthy, there is no need for panic. The virus is largely mild for most people, and there is no unusual surge in cases in India at present. By following standard precautionary measures, such as wearing a mask, practicing good hand hygiene, and seeking medical attention when necessary, individuals can protect themselves and prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.