Amid rising HMPV cases, this former WHO scientist urges people to…

Former chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Soumya Swaminathan, has urged people to take precautions, saying that the HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is a known virus and there is no need to panic.

She posted on X, “It’s a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild.” The expert has urged people to take the usual and normal precautions that one takes for symptoms of cold, including wearing a mask, washing hands, avoiding crowds, etc. “Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold.” 

Swaminathan’s post comes amid an atmosphere of apprehension worldwide. In India, seven cases have been reported so far from Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Bengaluru. Initial cases were reported in infants who had no international travel history. These cases were detected by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). 

The American Lung Association has described the infection as mild, comparing it to the common cold. The association states that it is a common respiratory virus that can cause upper respiratory infections. The virus is recognized worldwide and is not considered a new strain.

The virus was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2011 and it hogged limelight when an outbreak was reported in India’s neighboring country China. Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said,” Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and has been circulating globally for many years.”

“The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no cause for concern, and we are closely monitoring the situation,” he said.