The increase in the number of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, particularly in China and Malaysia, has triggered concern across the globe. India has also reported three HMPV cases in children aged between three months and two years, so far. Confirming the two cases detected in Karnataka earlier on Monday, the Union Health Ministry, Government of India, has stated that it is “monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels” and is “well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed”. Stressing that “HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries”, the ministry said “there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country”. An official from Health Department, Government of Nagaland, also told this newspaper that it is monitoring the situation in all the health units in the state, while advising the people not to panic. It is reassuring to know that the concerned authorities, both at the Centre and the state, are aware of the health crisis, which is imperative for mitigating the spread of any disease. It is also necessary to equip the public with knowledge about the virus – transmission, symptoms and prevention.
Well, HMPV is not a new virus. Discovered in 2001, this respiratory virus is a part of the pneumoviridae family along with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and its symptoms are similar to that of common cold – cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose or nasal congestion and wheezing. While children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and persons with underlying medical conditions are more susceptible to HMPV infection, mostly mild, it can also cause bronchitis and pneumonia in severe cases. As per a study published in Lancet Global Health (2021), one percent of acute lower respiratory infection-related deaths in children under age five can be attributed to HMPV. With no vaccine available for the disease, repeated infections can take place. As transmission of the virus occurs mainly through direct contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces, we can put to use the standard operating procedure for Covid-19, such as frequent handwashing, wearing of face mask, and staying away from infected persons in order to avoid the spread and infection of the disease. Health experts have said that the majority of the Indian population could have developed immunity against the HMPV but we should not let our guard down especially during the peak seasons -- winter and spring -- as every life is precious. Most importantly, the government of India should frame a policy for prompt testing and diagnosis of disease during any health crisis. Only then can we deal with outbreak of pathogens effectively.