THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Emerging threat’ (Jan 13). The writer appears to have unnecessarily raised alarm over human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

All of us get some respiratory viral infection during the course of our lives. Recently, I came across some disturbing reports, originating from Indian media houses and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), about the supposed appearance of a respiratory infection in China.

After the disease outbreak was reported in China, as a medical professional, I did a literature search keeping in mind the dreadful coronavirus outbreak in the not-so-distant past.

Truly, HMPV has been talked about in medical literature already. As such, it is prevalent around the globe, and is not a new entity. It is related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) virus, but it is far less dangerous, and does not cause as severe an illness as it was caused by Covid. After contracting HMPV, a person generally gets a runny nose, symptoms of a throat infection, and possibly cough and fever, which will last up to one week.

Besides, HMPV is mostly contracted by children under the age of five years, or by persons above 65 years. Moreover, it can cause severe symptoms only in individuals who have pre-existing lung conditions.

I think sensationalism should be curtailed at the very start before panic sets in, and steps should be taken to raise public awareness. The federal authorities should broach the matter with appropriate quarters.

That said, since it has become part of news headlines even in Pakistani electronic media, it is our duty to allay growing public fears regarding the disease. There is already so much stress and anxiety in our society. One should refrain from creating rather unnecessary fears.

Dr Faheem Akhtar
Lahore

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2025