Srinagar, Jan 09: Doctors at SKIMS Soura have reassured the public that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases reported in India are mild and indigenous, advising people to maintain hand hygiene and avoid self-medication.
Dr. Syed Mudasir Qadri, Additional Professor in the Department of Internal and Pulmonary Medicine at SKIMS, emphasized that the HMPV virus typically causes mild illness. “There is no need to panic, but we must remain cautious. The HMPV virus has been circulating in the community for years, with the first case documented in 2021. It is a part of routine infections and generally leads to mild symptoms,” he told Rising Kashmir.
The pulmonary expert also clarified that the HMPV cases reported in China differ from those in India. “India had not been testing for this virus until recently. Following the reports from China, testing has now been initiated in the country,” he said.
Dr. Qadri further assured that all cases in India have been indigenous, with no travel history involved. He advised people to avoid crowded places, particularly hospitals, and to limit the number of attendants accompanying patients.
He stressed the importance of maintaining regular hand hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus, as it can be transmitted through droplets or contact with infected individuals. In case of symptoms, isolation is recommended.
While HMPV is similar to other respiratory viruses, it typically causes cold-like symptoms and may lead to flu-like symptoms in very young or elderly individuals. Dr. Qadri confirmed that there is currently no vaccine for HMPV, but most cases have been successfully treated, with a higher incidence seen in children.
