Two HMPV patients detected in Wah Cantt

ISLAMABAD: The health authorities reported two cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) from Wah Cantt on Thursday. According to Federal Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination officials, both patients had mild symptoms and fully recovered.

The officials said that they had tested 113 samples from sentinel sites, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), PHQ Hospital in Gilgit, Nishtar Medical College in Multan, Saidu Teaching Hospital in Swat, Civil Hospital in Karachi, Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar, and Jinnah Hospital in Lahore. Among these, 56 samples were analysed at the NIH in Islamabad where two samples from Wah Cantt tested positive for HMPV.

The Ministry of NHS, R&C, said there is no major outbreak of HMPV in Islamabad or its surrounding areas. However, the detection highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance. The health officials said that while HMPV cases have been reported sporadically in Pakistan, particularly in urban centres like Islamabad and Karachi, this marks another instance of its presence in the country.

The NIH has been testing all flu-related samples for HMPV as part of its routine influenza surveillance. Medical experts have reassured the public that HMPV is not a cause for alarm. They recommended adopting the same preventive measures for common colds and influenza like hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus first identified in 2001, can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like issues to severe respiratory illness in vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. Experts continue to monitor its spread and impact globally.

In a recent session of the National Assembly, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Dr. Darshan Lal had confirmed the virus’s detection in Pakistan. Officials from the NIH revealed that HMPV has been in Pakistan since 2001.

A 2015 study at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) had found 21 cases of HMPV among children hospitalised with severe lower respiratory tract infections. The study had investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and seasonality of HMPV in children under five with severe acute respiratory infections. Of the 127 throat swabs analysed, 16.5% tested positive for HMPV.

HMPV cases peak during winter, particularly in November and December, with symptoms including cough, wheezing, fever, and difficulty breathing. Experts explained that while HMPV is a known respiratory virus in Pakistan, it is manageable with standard preventive and therapeutic measures. There is no specific vaccine or antiviral medication for HMPV, and treatment is similar to that of viral pneumonia.

The NIH, a key institution for disease surveillance, has assured the public of its capacity to detect and manage HMPV cases. They have urged citizens to remain vigilant, adopt preventive measures, and report unusual respiratory symptoms to healthcare providers.

Medical experts attributed the recent global attention to HMPV to its outbreak in China, suggesting that children born during COVID-19 lockdowns might be more susceptible to severe illnesses from such pathogens due to limited prior exposure.

The health authorities have emphasised the need for expanded surveillance and multi-year studies to better understand HMPV’s seasonality and clinical impact. They concluded that while Pakistan can manage HMPV, increased vigilance and preparedness are critical in mitigating risks associated with respiratory viruses.