Three Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases have been reported in India. The first case was reported today in Bengaluru. The HMPV is a respiratory virus that causes flu-like symptoms. Malaysia has seen a surge in HMPV infections over the past few weeks. Hong Kong and Japan are closely monitoring the situation, international media reports say.
It is too early to say anything about the extent of the HMPV threat India faces. Since the virus mostly affects children and older adults, this might not result in a lockdown of the kind we saw in 2020 when Covid-19 invaded the globe. The Union Health Ministry today stated that HMPV is not a new virus. "The virus has been in circulation globally, including in India, for years," the Ministry stated. The current situation is far from scary.
However, the media overdoing its reportage might result in needless panic. If the public panic increases in the coming days with a surge in sensational media reports about new cases, it might result in lessened public enthusiasm for watching the Sankranthi releases in cinemas. State governments don't listen to the best policy advice, and they tend to be extremely reckless about imposing lockdowns on cinema halls, the first casualty usually.
