Wed Jan 08 15:52:08 UTC 2025: ## No Cause for Alarm: Experts Downplay HMPV Rise in India

**NEW DELHI, INDIA** – A recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India has sparked media attention and public concern, but leading health experts are urging calm. While acknowledging the increase in detected cases, they emphasize that HMPV is not a new virus and poses no unusual public health threat.

First identified in 2001, HMPV is a seasonal respiratory virus that has circulated globally for over two decades, causing typically mild symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue. Severe cases are rare and mainly affect vulnerable populations – young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director and Chief Health Officer (Indian Subcontinent) at International SOS, stressed that the current media coverage is creating unnecessary panic. “The virus is not new and usually causes mild illness,” he stated, adding that there’s no evidence of increased infectivity or severity. Dr. Vora advised adopting basic preventive measures such as mask-wearing and frequent handwashing.

Dr. Ravi Chandra, Consultant Physician & Pulmonologist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, echoed this sentiment, highlighting India’s preparedness to manage respiratory infections. He described HMPV as a common virus causing mild symptoms and reassured the public that the situation is not pandemic-level. He urged vulnerable groups to take precautionary measures.

The Indian Health Ministry aligns with this assessment, encouraging preventive measures and vigilance without succumbing to panic. While reports of respiratory infections in other countries, including China, have added to anxieties, experts emphasize that the simultaneous circulation of multiple viruses, such as influenza and COVID-19, is typical during winter months.

Experts strongly advise relying on credible sources of information to avoid misinformation and unnecessary fear. Healthcare professionals are actively working to dispel myths and provide accurate information to the public. While surveillance of respiratory illnesses remains crucial, the consensus among health leaders is that there is no cause for widespread alarm. India’s robust healthcare system and public awareness are seen as sufficient to manage this seasonal challenge.

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