Recent reports of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections have sparked worry in India and other countries, including China, Malaysia, and parts of Europe. Out of seven documented cases in India, the majority have involved young people. In response to these reports of illnesses, a renowned physician from Kolkata, Dr. Subarna Goswami, has urged the public to exercise caution, as HMPV has been around for decades, unlike COVID-19.

Although evidence suggests that HMPV existed prior to its formal recognition, Dr. Goswami noted its discovery in 2001. Unlike COVID-19, which was a completely new virus, HMPV has a long history of producing mild respiratory infections in infants and the elderly. He said that, while it has some similarities to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), HMPV typically causes milder symptoms such as fever, cold, and cough.

According to media reports, the current uptick of cases in China has sparked increased media interest and analogies to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Goswami said that the apparent increase in illnesses in China is most likely owing to the country's strong public health surveillance system, which has improved dramatically since the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, more respiratory illnesses, including HMPV, are becoming known and reported. 

Dr. Kunal Sarkar, an eminent heart surgeon and healthcare educator based in Kolkata, also commented on the situation, emphasising that respiratory tract illnesses caused by numerous viruses, including HMPV, are common during the winter and early spring months. He emphasised that, unlike COVID-19, HMPV is not a substantial threat to the general public. 

HMPV primarily affects infants, children under the age of 12, and people over the age of 65. Fever, runny nose, and cough are common symptoms, comparable to a cold. According to Dr. Goswami, most patients' infections resolve on their own, without the need for specific medical intervention. Individuals with underlying health issues or compromised immune systems may face complications, such as difficulty breathing. 

Only a few designated centres in India conduct HMPV testing. Dr. Goswami stated that thorough testing is typically unneeded, especially in severe situations or when patients have comorbidities. He warned against needless panic and criticised certain elements of the media for sensationalising the situation and potentially assisting pharmaceutical firms in promoting anxiety in order to increase sales of drugs and vaccines. 

Dr. Goswami advocated simple hygiene practices similar to those used during the COVID-19 outbreak. To avoid the spread of illnesses, he recommended washing hands thoroughly with soap for at least 30 seconds before contacting one's face, keeping public places clean, and wearing masks in busy situations. He encouraged parents to refrain from sending sick children to school to minimise the risk of transmission. 

In reaction to the crisis, health departments in several states, including Gujarat and Jharkhand, have increased their surveillance and readiness. As a preventive step, civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot have established isolation wards. According to a statement from Gujarat's health department, these wards are currently unoccupied, with no new suspected cases identified. The government also intends to purchase additional testing kits to improve detection skills. 

Meanwhile, Irfan Ansari, Jharkhand's health minister, declared that the state has been unscathed by the HMPV infection thus far. He informed the audience that there is no need to panic and that the situation is under strict supervision. 

There is currently no HMPV-specific vaccination or antiviral treatment available. Treatment is mostly concerned with treating symptoms like fever and cough. Doctors have stated that most occurrences are modest and self-limiting, with patients healing without sequelae. 

Experts have uniformly emphasised the need to maintain coolness while being alert. While HMPV is not a new virus and does not deserve the same level of concern as COVID-19, practicing proper hygiene and obtaining medical assistance for severe symptoms are critical steps. The public should rely on verifiable information and prevent undue panic or misinformation.

The government's preventive actions and public health advisories is expected to play a critical role in successfully controlling the situation. Communities may avoid unnecessary anxiety by remaining educated and cautious about the spread of HMPV.