Sat Jan 11 10:49:33 UTC 2025: ## Experts Stress Proactive Public Health Communication on HMPV

**Chennai, January 11, 2025** – A webinar hosted by The Hindu and Naruvi Hospitals highlighted the urgent need for public health professionals to proactively communicate about viral outbreaks, rather than reacting to misinformation spreading on social media. The event, titled “HMPV: Differentiating Fact from Fiction,” focused on Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Leading experts, including Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and former WHO chief scientist, and Bernhard Schwartländer, epidemiologist and former WHO official, emphasized the importance of scientific literacy in preventing public panic. They criticized the reactive approach to disseminating information, noting the inadequacy of relying on official websites to combat misinformation. Dr. Schwartländer stressed the need for proactive outreach to the public to explain complex health issues.

Regarding the HMPV situation in China, Dr. Schwartländer stated that while there’s been an expected increase in respiratory infections, it’s currently lower than in previous years and the virus distribution is similar to past outbreaks. Dr. Swaminathan reassured the public that HMPV is not a new virus and most children already have some immunity. She described it as a mild infection causing mostly upper respiratory illnesses and not a significant cause of mortality or morbidity.

Both experts stressed the importance of a “One Health” approach, recognizing the increasing risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans. Dr. Swaminathan highlighted the need for preparedness, resilient healthcare systems, and a proactive approach to managing both known and emerging viruses. The webinar included a Q&A session exclusively for subscribers.

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