Sun Jan 05 00:23:12 UTC 2025: ## No Need for Alarm Over HMPV Virus Outbreak in China, Say Experts

**New Delhi, India** – Concerns over a potential coronavirus-like outbreak in China, driven by a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, have been downplayed by Indian health experts. Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, a scientist with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), stated that there is no cause for widespread alarm unless a concerning genetic mutation is reported by a global health agency.

HMPV, while causing cold-like symptoms, primarily affects children under five years old. While some children (5-16%) may develop more serious lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, most cases are mild and resolve within 2-5 days. Dr. Gangakhedkar emphasized that HMPV is not a new virus and its severity is generally low, posing a significant risk only to young children and immunocompromised individuals in rare instances. He added that the mortality rate is low and understudied due to its infrequent lethality. Cross-sectional surveys show that a significant portion of the Indian population (4-15%) already possesses antibodies against HMPV, suggesting existing immunity.

Dr. Suresh Gupta, a pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, corroborated this assessment, describing HMPV as an old, well-known virus similar to influenza, causing typically mild symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever, that generally resolve without hospitalization.

While HMPV can affect all age groups and lead to more severe respiratory illnesses in some cases, experts stress that the current situation does not warrant pandemic-level concern. The focus remains on protecting vulnerable young children.

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