Ex WHO chief scientist says, 'HMPV is nothing to panic about'

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist at the World Health Organisation (WHO), has said that HMPV is nothing to panic about. In a post on X, the researcher said that instead of focussing on detecting each pathogen that surfaces in the news, we should take standard precautions for any respiratory illness.

"#HMPvirus is nothing to panic about. It’s a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild. Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult a doctor if severe symptoms (sic)," she wrote.

Dr Swaminathan quoted data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - India's official medical panel - that HMPV is one of the many circulating pathogens along with influenza A and B which cause common cold, SARS-CoV-2 which causes Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial



virus.

"According to Indian Council of Medical Research, #HMPV accounts for about 3% of respiratory pathogens detected in the laboratory network, testing ILI and SARI cases. Influenza A & B, SARSCoV2 & RSV are other circulating viruses. No deaths reported in India so far," her post read.

Amid the rising Human Metapneumovirus scare, the ICMR released a statement clarifying that the HMPV has already been in circulation across the globe, including India.

"It is emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries. Furthermore, based on current data from ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network, there has been no unusual surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country," the ICMR said.