HMPV cases normal every year, says Hyderabad Pediatrician, urges vigilance amid rising infections

HMPV is not an unknown virus; it occurs annually from July/August to December/January. In most cases, it leads to symptoms like cough, cold, and fever, but in some rare instances, it can result in severe illness requiring hospitalization, including oxygen support and ventilation. There is no specific antiviral treatment, and management is entirely symptomatic.

Hyderabad: There is nothing mysterious about HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus), as such cases are quite normal every year in Hyderabad, says noted developmental pediatrician and public health specialist, Dr Sivaranjani Santosh.

HMPV is not a mysterious virus. We see it every year from around July/August to Dec/Jan. It causes cough, cold, fever etc in most cases, but can cause severe illness and hospitalization (oxygen support and ventilation) in some/rare cases. There is no definitive antiviral medicine, and the treatment is completely symptomatic.

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There is nothing to panic but definitely be vigilant, especially since we do not know if China is having a yearly seasonal outbreak of HMPV or if a new mutant of HMPV is wreaking havoc there.

“Please do not send your children to school if they are sick. What may be a mild illness for your children may become a serious illness for some children. Please follow cough etiquette, wear masks as needed, and follow good hand hygiene practices during this season when respiratory viruses cause outbreaks, irrespective of whether it’s Influenza, HMPV, RSV, or Adenovirus,” Dr Sivaranjani said.