Pakistan(National Times)- ISLAMABAD: The much-talked-about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has garnered international attention due to a recent outbreak in China, has been circulating in Pakistan for at least two decades, federal health authorities said on Saturday. First detected in Pakistan in 2001, the HMPV has caused several outbreaks over the years, primarily affecting children, they claimed. “Human Metapneumovirus was first identified in Pakistan in 2001, and outbreaks have been reported since then,” an official at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad told The News. “In 2015, a study conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) found 21 cases of HMPV in children hospitalized with severe lower respiratory tract infections.”
No need to panic over reports from China
Urging the public to remain calm amid news of HMPV spreading in China, NIH officials emphasised that Pakistan is currently witnessing an outbreak of seasonal influenza, including Influenza A and B. “People should focus on precautionary measures like regular hand-washing and adopting proper coughing etiquette to avoid contracting viral illnesses,” the NIH official advised. The official also revealed that the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) would discuss the situation at a meeting on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Border Health Services (BHS) is on high alert at all entry points into the country to monitor potential cases.
Detection and preparedness in Pakistan
“As we already have this virus in our environment, we possess the kits and expertise to detect all HMPV genotypes,” the NIH official stated, adding that no samples have been received from health facilities so far. Commenting on the outbreak in China, the NIH expert explained that children born during the strict COVID-19 lockdowns may not have been exposed to common pathogens, making them more vulnerable to severe illness when encountering new viruses.
Study highlights HMPV in Islamabad
A 2015 study conducted at PIMS in Islamabad investigated the prevalence, genetic diversity, and seasonality of HMPV among children under five with severe acute respiratory infections (Sari). Of the 127 throat swabs analysed, 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 hospitalisation. The study highlighted the genetic similarity between Pakistani HMPV strains and those found in India, China, and Singapore. Experts stressed the need for expanded surveillance and multi-year studies to better understand the virus’s seasonality and clinical impact.
Seasonal influenza remains a bigger concern
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, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
The NIH urged the public to adopt preventive measures and seek timely medical attention to manage symptoms effectively.
Implications and recommendations
Health experts 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,” the NIH official concluded.
