Doctors dispel misconceptions about HMPV

HYDERABAD: Amid growing concerns and misconceptions about a potential outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), doctors emphasise the need for vigilance and a reality check to avoid falling prey to false information.

HMPV, like Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), typically causes symptoms such as cold, cough, fever, and, in severe cases, upper or lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia. However, the virus is less virulent than swine flu or Covid-SARS and has a low mortality rate.

Dr Kiran Madhala, professor of critical care medicine at Gandhi Medical College, explained, “HMPV is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus classified within the Pneumoviridae family. It has two subtypes, A and B, with A2c and B2 genotypes being the most common globally until 2022.”