HMPV not new to Pakistan, detected in 2001

ISLAMABAD: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), the virus making global headlines due to a recent outbreak in China, has been circulating in Pakistan for over two decades, the National Institute of Health (NIH) officials and infectious disease experts revealed on Saturday.

First detected in 2001, the virus has caused several outbreaks, primarily affecting children, while Pakistan now faces a surge in seasonal influenza cases including Influenza A and B, they said. “Human Metapneumovirus was first identified in Pakistan in 2001, and outbreaks have been reported since then,” an NIH official told The News. “In 2015, a study conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) found 21 cases of HMPV in children hospitalized with severe lower respiratory tract infections.”

Urging the public to remain calm amid news of HMPV spreading in China, the NIH official emphasized that Pakistan was currently dealing with an outbreak of seasonal influenza, including Influenza A and B. Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Society of Pakistan experts also confirmed that HMPV, which is making headlines globally, had long been present in Pakistan. They explained that HMPV primarily caused viral pneumonia in children and rarely affected adults.

“The virus can be dangerous for some children, especially those with weakened immune systems,” said Dr Ali Faisal Saleem from the Aga Khan University (AKU) and an office-bearer of the MMIDSP. However, its treatment is similar to that of typical viral pneumonia, as no specific vaccine or antiviral medication is available for HMPV.

The NIH officials, while confirming that HMPV was not a new threat to Pakistan, advised the public to focus on preventive measures such as regular hand-washing and proper coughing etiquette to avoid contracting viral illnesses. The officials also revealed that the National Command and Operation Centre would discuss the HMPV situation during a meeting on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Border Health Services (BHS) is on high alert at all entry points to monitor potential cases. “As we already have this virus in our environment, we possess the kits and expertise to detect all HMPV genotypes,” the NIH officials stated, adding that no samples had been received from health facilities so far.

Commenting on the outbreak in China, they explained that children born during the strict Covid-19 lockdowns might not have been exposed to common pathogens, making them more vulnerable to severe illnesses when encountering new viruses.

A 2015 study conducted at the Pims in Islamabad investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity and seasonality of HMPV among children under five with severe acute respiratory infections. Of the 127 throat swabs analyzed, 16.5% tested positive for HMPV. Genotype B2 was the most common strain, followed by A2b, A2a, and B1.

“HMPV cases peaked during winter months, particularly in November and December, with symptoms like cough, wheezing, fever, and difficulty breathing,” the study noted. Severe cases showed lung infiltrations, requiring hospitalization. The study highlighted the genetic similarity between Pakistani HMPV strains and those found in India, China and Singapore. The experts stressed the need for expanded surveillance and multi-year studies to better understand the virus’s seasonality and clinical impact. According to the NIH, Pakistan is currently dealing with a rise in seasonal influenza cases. Both Influenza A and B are spreading across the country, causing flu-like symptoms that can lead to severe illness in children, elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. The NIH has urged the public to adopt preventive measures and seek timely medical attention to manage symptoms effectively.

Health experts have called for a robust surveillance system to monitor HMPV and other respiratory viruses.

“Pakistan has the capacity to detect and manage HMPV cases, but increased vigilance and preparedness are crucial,” they concluded.