Soumya Swaminathan on hMPV: No Need for Panic

Former WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan has reassured the public regarding the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) currently spreading in India.

She stated that the virus is not new and has been around for some time. hMPV can cause respiratory infections, but it can be managed by following the same precautions one would take during a common cold.

Dr. Swaminathan emphasized that with proper care, recovery is possible. Notably, she served as the Chief Scientist at WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.