HMPV Outbreak in China Sparks Déjà Vu of COVID, But Virus Not Dangerous for Indians: Dr Shekhar Mande

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
New Delhi, 7th January 2025: A reported outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, the birthplace of COVID-19, has caused massive hysteria worldwide. Some cases have been reported in India over the past few days. However, reassuring news has come from Dr Shekhar Mande, former Director General of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), who stated that the HMPV virus is not dangerous and has always been present in India.

In December 2019, COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, originated in Wuhan, China. It spread globally, reaching India on 30th January 2020. By May 2020, over 37 Lakh confirmed cases and 2,59,000 deaths were reported worldwide. In India, as of December 2024, there were 4.5 Crore confirmed cases and 5,33,000 reported deaths, though actual figures may be higher.

Reports of an HMPV outbreak in China have created global panic, with people fearing a return to the depressing era of 2020-21 when many lives were lost to COVID-19. However, Dr. Mande’s statement provides relief. He said, “HMPV is not a dangerous virus. It has existed in India before. Every Indian has antibodies that fight against this virus. Therefore, Indians do not need to panic. Moreover, there is no risk of death due to this virus.”

Sharing a video on Facebook, Dr. Mande said, “I have been receiving numerous calls regarding HMPV infection. Understandably, there is some anxiety among people about whether we might face a situation similar to Covid. I have shared this video with many journalists to state categorically that we don’t need to worry about HMPV. It has been a virus causing seasonal infections in humans for many years; as a result, we likely have antibodies against it. SARS-CoV-2 was a different case. It was an entirely new virus, and therefore it spread wildly across the globe. HMPV is certainly not like that. In summary, there is no need to panic. Precautions are the same as when we catch a cold during winters.”

To avoid HMPV:
– Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
– Use hand sanitiser when soap is unavailable
– Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas
– Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
– Maintain distance from people with respiratory symptoms
– Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly

If infected:
– Rest and stay hydrated
– Monitor symptoms closely
– Use over-the-counter medications for pain, congestion, and fever
– Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, especially for high-risk individuals
– Stay home to prevent the spreading of the virus

Experts state that there is no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Most cases typically resolve within 7–10 days, though severe cases may necessitate hospitalization for oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are ineffective against HMPV, as it is a viral infection.