As Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) gains global attention following an outbreak in China, Pakistani health officials assured the public on Saturday that the virus is not new to the country.
First detected in Pakistan in 2001, HMPV has caused several outbreaks over the past two decades, primarily affecting children.
In 2015, a study at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) identified 21 cases of HMPV in children hospitalized with severe lower respiratory tract infections. Officials at the National Institute of Health (NIH) emphasized that Pakistan has experience in detecting and managing the virus.
Read More: CNN Names One Pakistani Region Among Top Places to Visit in 2025
Amid concerns over China’s outbreak, NIH officials urged the public to focus on precautionary measures, such as hand hygiene and proper coughing etiquette, as Pakistan is currently battling seasonal influenza.
Both Influenza A and B are spreading across the country, particularly impacting vulnerable groups.
The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) is set to discuss the situation on Tuesday, while Border Health Services remains on high alert to monitor potential cases at entry points.
Officials confirmed that Pakistan has the expertise and testing kits needed to identify all HMPV genotypes.
Experts stress the importance of enhanced surveillance and research to better understand the virus’s impact and seasonality. Meanwhile, the NIH advises prioritizing preventive measures to address the ongoing influenza surge.
