Experts advise caution but assure there is no need for panic over HMPV

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), first detected in northern China earlier this winter, has now been reported in Karnataka, India.

Experts reassure the public that while the virus shares symptoms with influenza, it is not fatal in most cases.

Health professionals have urged the public not to panic about the respiratory illness, as reported by bdnews24.com, and have recommended following health guidelines to stay protected.

HMPV typically causes mild symptoms such as a cold or runny nose but can lead to more serious complications like pneumonia in vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.

After the virus was detected in China, the country issued warnings, especially since it primarily affects children.

When asked about Bangladesh’s risk of HMPV transmission, Tahmina Shirin, director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), declined to comment due to her involvement in an urgent meeting outside Dhaka.

However, public health expert and IEDCR advisor Mushtuq Husain told bdnews24.com that the virus has been present in Bangladesh before and continues to exist, so there is no cause for alarm.

He explained, "The symptoms of this virus are similar to influenza. It was in Bangladesh before and exists globally. It's not something new. We should remain cautious, but there’s no reason to panic. Many patients are arriving at Chinese hospitals, prompting them to declare a state of emergency. This is part of their country's protocol."

Dr. Mushtuq emphasized that while HMPV is not fatal, individuals with pre-existing conditions may face more serious risks. 

"Any illness can be life-threatening for those with comorbidities. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, just as they are to influenza."

To reduce the risk of infection, he recommended regular handwashing, wearing masks, avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, and consulting a doctor if symptoms become severe.

Mushtuq, former chief scientific officer of the IEDCR, suggested that the health department could include HMPV in the influenza surveillance system. 

"By including it in surveillance, we can sequence the virus's genome, which will help determine if it is changing or becoming more severe," he concluded.