Understanding HMPV Facts Over Fear, Say Experts
The recent detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a two-month-old girl in Gujarat has sparked a renewed public interest in the virus. With an outbreak being reported in neighbouring China, some anxiety has rippled through the state’s health authorities and residents alike. However, experts in the field of infectious diseases have been quick to allay concerns, asserting that there is no cause for widespread panic. In fact, HMPV cases have been detected annually for years in Gujarat, with laboratory tests revealing that only a handful of cases are recorded each year.
Pathology labs in the state have noted that six to ten cases of HMPV are typically identified annually. The virus, although relatively common, is often discovered during the course of diagnosing more severe illnesses, particularly in patients with respiratory issues such as pneumonia or breathlessness. Dr. Atul Patel, a prominent infectious disease specialist in Ahmedabad, shared his experience with the virus. He noted that, about six months ago, a patient with acute pneumonia tested positive for HMPV after undergoing a multiplex PCR test, which is routinely employed in diagnosing viral and bacterial infections. Dr. Patel assured that most cases remain mild and do not require immediate concern.
The virus itself is not a new entity. Dr. Bhavini Shah, co-founder and consultant microbiologist at Neuberg Supratech lab, confirmed that HMPV has been present in the region for over a decade, albeit under the radar. In fact, these tests for HMPV are commonly used as part of broader diagnostic kits that detect a variety of viruses and bacteria. This provides valuable information on the nature of the illness, which is particularly crucial in severe cases. According to Dr. Kamlesh Patel, senior consultant microbiologist at KD Hospital, the virus tends to proliferate during the winter months, a time when viral infections are more common due to the drop in temperature. Despite this, he reiterated that most detected cases show only mild symptoms and do not present a serious health threat.
Experts stress that there is no reason for alarm. Dr. Abhay Shah, a paediatric infectious diseases specialist, highlighted that HMPV, which primarily affects children and infants, has long been part of multi-disease tests. He added that parents should not rush to have their children tested unless advised by a medical professional. While the virus tends to affect younger populations more significantly due to their lack of prior exposure, its symptoms rarely escalate to the point of requiring immediate medical intervention. Dr. Shah also emphasised the importance of maintaining basic hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, as a preventive measure to limit the spread of all viral infections, including HMPV.
A significant factor in the detection of HMPV is the cost of diagnostic tests, which range between Rs 3,000 to Rs 12,000, depending on the array of diseases the test kit can detect. Although such tests are typically ordered for patients in intensive care units or those with severe illnesses, health officials estimate that the actual number of cases is likely to be higher than the reported figures. However, doctors and health professionals maintain that the virus remains a minor concern, and no extraordinary measures are required for the general population.
