Kolkata, 6 January (H.S.): Following the recent concerns over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged citizens not to panic and avoid falling for rumors. Speaking from Gangasagar on Monday, she stated, “There is no reason to be alarmed about HMPV. The Chief Secretary has already issued guidelines, and if new instructions are provided, the state government will follow them.”

Referring to the state's proactive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the CM emphasized that the government is fully prepared to handle any situation. She reassured the public by citing the recovery of an HMPV-affected child in Kolkata, who has now returned home healthy.

HMPV is not a new virus. First identified in 2001 by Dutch scientists, it primarily affects the respiratory tract and spreads globally, especially in winter. Symptoms include fever, cold, and cough, with a few cases leading to pneumonia. However, the mortality rate from HMPV remains negligible. The Health Ministry has recommended precautions such as wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, and frequent hand washing to mitigate the spread.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh