HMPV cases in India: Doctors say- 'No need to panic'

Concerns over overcrowded hospitals in China have been circulating widely on social media, with images showing people in masks and packed waiting rooms. While this has caused some alarm, authorities in China have clarified that the surge in cases is linked to a seasonal spike in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), assuring the public that there is no cause for panic. In India, eight cases of HMPV have been reported so far, including two infants in Bengaluru and one in Mumbai. The other cases have been identified in Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Salem.

What the Central Government Is Saying
The Union Health Ministry has attempted to ease public anxiety, stating that all infected individuals are doing well and none have a recent travel history. The Ministry also reassured that HMPV is not a new virus in India, and there is no evidence of any significant rise in respiratory illnesses this winter. The government emphasized that there is no need for excessive concern over the virus at this time.

Doctors Weigh In
To help clarify the situation, Editorji spoke with two prominent medical experts, Dr. Priyankar Pal, a pediatric specialist, and Dr. Arindam Biswas, a consultant physician, who offered valuable insights into HMPV:

Recognizing the Symptoms: According to the doctors, HMPV can present with common symptoms similar to those of the flu, including cough, fever, body aches, and a runny nose. This makes it difficult to distinguish it from other respiratory infections without further testing.

Who’s Most at Risk? Dr. Pal and Dr. Biswas explained that HMPV can be more severe for those at the extremes of age—children under five and adults over 65—as well as individuals with existing health conditions like chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.

How It Spreads: HMPV spreads through droplets from the nose or mouth, making it highly contagious in close quarters.

Treatment Options: Unfortunately, there is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, nor is there a vaccine. The recommended approach is symptomatic and supportive care, which includes staying hydrated, taking fever reducers, and managing cold symptoms. In more severe cases, patients may require hospital care to monitor respiratory function.

Preventing the Virus: Doctors suggest basic preventive measures, such as wearing masks, avoiding crowded spaces, and practicing regular hand hygiene.

Don’t Panic
Dr. Biswas reassured the public, saying that while HMPV is a common winter virus, it is usually mild and can be managed with simple care. Most individuals recover within about seven days. Dr. Pal emphasized that while the current strain of HMPV is still being studied, it is typically not a cause for long-term concern.

Government Monitoring and Action
The Union Health Secretary has taken note of the situation, reviewing the status of respiratory illnesses in the country and the effectiveness of public health measures in managing them. States have been encouraged to increase public awareness about preventive measures and ensure proper surveillance of illnesses like Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).

The Ministry of Health has reiterated that there is no need to panic and that following basic hygiene practices remains the best defense against the virus.