HMPV is no cause for alarm: Pulmonologists

• The groups primarily vulnerable to HMPV include the elderly, those with weak immunity and inherent respiratory diseases

 By Zainab Hussein   

Pulmonologists yesterday assured that there is no cause for undue alarm over the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), currently spreading in China.   

Dr. Bodhika Samarasekera, immediate Past President of Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists addressed the media at the official launch of ‘Respire 2025’, International Academic Conference on Respiratory Health.   

Speaking on the critical respiratory health challenges faced by our nation, Dr. Samarasekera stated that the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), currently spreading in China, is not a new virus and was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001.   

“The Spread of viruses usually increases during the festive seasons when people often gather. The groups primarily vulnerable to HMPV include the elderly, those with weak immunity and inherent respiratory diseases. HMPV symptoms are fever, cough and nasal congestion leading to breathing difficulty, ” he added saying that the virus was not proved to be life threatening, and that there were no official reports of HMPV-related deaths so far.   

He assured that there is no cause for alarm. Dr. Neranjan Dissanayake added “there were three cases reported in India and one of the infected children was sent back. The reason for the HMPV peak in China is mainly due to the additional effects of influenza and mycoplasma. Overall, several nations have claimed that as of yet, HMPV alone is not a threat and official health guidelines will be sent by the relevant authorities.”   

Respire 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 9 to 11 in Colombo and the event is to serve as a platform to empower healthcare professionals and the public to improve respiratory health outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and international expertise.