ET Explains: HMPV a known virus, no need to panic
human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been detected in the country-two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat-all in infants, amid concerns over a surge in HMPV cases in China, five years after the Covid outbreak. There is no history of international travel in both the cases detected in Bengaluru-a three-month-old girl and an eight-month-old boy who were treated at Baptist Hospital. Both the children came in with symptoms of pneumonia. The girl has since been discharged and the boy is recovering. While many states including Delhi and Karnataka have issued directives or advisories with precautionary measures, health experts emphasise that there is no need to panic. ET explains:
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What is HMPV?
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes lower and upper respiratory infections. It typically results in a cough, fever, blocked nose and shortness of breath.
Is it a new virus?
HMPV is not a new virus. Noted virologist Raman Gangakhedkar told ET that about 5-10% of all respiratory infections are caused by this virus during the winter season. «This virus has been circulating in India and there is no need to panic or stop air travel,» he said. It is a RNA virus and it mutates rapidly. «So, it is yet not clear whether it is the same virus that has been reported in China,» Gangakhedkar said.
Is it like Covid-19?
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