HMPV alert: Doctor who has treated HMPV virus patients shares advice amid Bengaluru cases

On Monday, the health ministry confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka. The ministry further highlighted that HMPV is already circulating globally, including in India, with several countries reporting respiratory illnesses linked to the virus. There has been a rising sense of concern among people in light of the recent surge in respiratory infections linked to Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). However, a paediatrician from Hyderabad who has been treating hMPV cases since 2022, offered her opinion on the current scenario.

Dr Sivaranjani Santosh urged everyone to remain cautious while maintaining that the virus does not necessarily pose an immediate cause for widespread alarm. In an interview with South First, the doctor who has treated four pediatric patients for HMPV, clarified that the virus is neither new nor unknown. She stated that it is something seen annually, and if a new mutation exists, there is no data on it yet. She emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant. She also highlighted that, as always, precautions are essential to manage the situation effectively.

She also pointed out the ongoing need to educate the public about preventing the spread of respiratory viruses like HMPV, influenza, and RSV.


Meanwhile, another doctor from Hyderabad, Dr Ranga Reddy Burri, President of the Infection Control Academy of India also mentioned that HMPV, a respiratory virus, typically has flu-like symptoms that last for two to five days. As reported by Deccan Chronicle, Dr Burri stated that HMPV primarily affects the upper and lower respiratory tract, causing symptoms similar to the common cold or seasonal flu. He noted that while most cases are mild, the virus can lead to severe respiratory issues in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Severe cases may result in pneumonia or bronchiolitis, though fatalities are rare.

ANI reported that the Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has offered assurance that HMPV is not a new or unknown virus. He explained that it is a flu virus causing respiratory symptoms like colds, which some individuals are prone to. Rao emphasized that there is no need for panic and that further discussions will be held with the Government of India and ICMR. He confirmed that the infant admitted to Bengaluru Hospital had no history of international travel and that there is currently no emergency and advised everyone to remain calm.


Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, reassured the public about the HMPV outbreak, urging general precautions but emphasizing there's no cause for alarm. He explained that Metapneumovirus causes common cold-like symptoms and can lead to flu-like symptoms in the elderly and young. He confirmed that there hasn't been a significant increase in respiratory infections in 2024, and hospitals are prepared for seasonal outbreaks. Dr Goel advised people with coughs and colds to avoid contact with others and follow prescribed treatments, reiterating that the situation does not warrant concern.