In a reassuring statement, former Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist, Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, confirmed on Monday that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not deadly, and there is no evidence of mortality or severe transmission associated with the virus. This comes in light of three reported cases in India, with two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat. Dr. Gangakhedkar emphasized that HMPV infections are typically mild, primarily affecting children under the age of five.
Comparing HMPV to other severe respiratory illnesses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Dr. Gangakhedkar noted that the global prevalence rate of HMPV stands at about 4 percent. “HMPV is definitely not deadly. Most infections are mild, affecting children under five and individuals over 65. It causes common cold-like symptoms that last for four to five days,” he stated. Although the virus can sometimes cause pneumonitis-like illness, mortality rates remain largely unknown.
Addressing concerns about a potential link to an outbreak in China, Dr. Gangakhedkar clarified that there is currently no information on the genetic scope of the virus from China, and there is no reason to believe it originated there. He mentioned that the ICMR might conduct genome sequencing to better understand the strain of the virus seen in India.
Dr. Gangakhedkar also highlighted the lack of extensive studies on HMPV in India due to its mild nature. He stressed the importance of studying how the virus behaves in humans, particularly whether it causes severe disease or increases the risk of death. HMPV, part of the Pneumoviridae family along with RSV, was first discovered in 2001. Common symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
Referring to a study conducted by the National Institute of Virology (NIV) between 2016 and 2008, Dr. Gangakhedkar mentioned that the prevalence rate of HMPV was found to be between 3.4 percent. Among those with acute respiratory infections admitted to hospitals, the rate was around 2.6 percent. This indicates that the virus is present in India and typically resurfaces in winter.
He assured the public that HMPV has not caused significant public health problems in India and has not led to lung morbidity in children. He also pointed out that people tend to get reinfected, with each repeat infection providing partial protection and reducing severity.
Dr. Gangakhedkar advised parents to keep their children at home if they exhibit common cold symptoms and urged adults to follow Covid etiquette if they have cold symptoms, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures.
