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.
“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.