Hyderabad: As the Centre and the state governments claimed that no cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) — which has seen an outbreak in China — were in India and Telangana, city-based doctors raised alarm over such reporting.
While the doctors specified that HMPV was not new, and cases had been reported before, they highlighted that was is important to figure out the mutation in the virus that is now prevalent in China.
“HMPV is not a new or mysterious virus. I have treated children with HMPV before,” said well-known paediatrician Dr Sivaranjani Santosh. “We see it every year. It's not a mystery virus. If it's some new mutation, there is no information about it as of now. Let's be vigilant, but not create suspense and panic. Let's follow precautions,” she said.
Dr Santosh also highlighted that it was incorrect to say that there is no report of HMPV in Telangana.
Dr Madap Karuna highlighted that the risk of any virus becoming an epidemic is always there and this requires the critical care units to be prepared for an increased inflow of patients.
“The virus is seen in children. Citizens should follow precautions before sharing the news with others. The cause of concern is, if it spreads to epidemic proportions, how many would require ICU / critical care. Governments should first analyse data from lab cultures and viral PCR records from the past three months and consult ICU specialists. It helps identify infection trends before giving public health advisory,” she said.
Dr Karuna added that citizens should remain vigilant in protecting themselves and not be hesitant to wear masks for six weeks.
