ISLAMABAD: After multiple cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in Pakistan, the government has said the virus is not a major threat and the authorities concerned are trained to counter it.

The assurance came in response to a calling attention notice moved by PML-N lawmaker Asiya Naz Tanoli, who claimed that people had great concern about HMPV cases being reported in Pakistan.

Dr Darshan, parliamentary secretary for health, however, said the virus was discovered in 2001 and there was nothing to worry about given it was merely a seasonal phenomenon.

“In 2015, as many as 20 cases were diagnosed and during the current winter, only two cases have been reported. It is just a virus and the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have not issued any emergency alert,” he claimed, saying the virus was a matter of concern only in China.

MNA Tanoli, however, rejected the response and claimed that cases were increasing. She asked if PCR tests were being conducted and demanded that the data of all the cases be shared with the house.

Without sharing data to back her claims up, she said children under two and citizens over 60 were being infected. She asked the government to ensure the availability of medicines and isolate patients.

Dr Darshan responded that patients were isolated per standard operating procedures, and the treatment was symptomatic. “I have the record of the NIH and if Ms Tanoli has any information she should share it,” he asked.

MNA Zahra Wadood Fatemi added that according to the NIH, the virus had been circulating for some years and in case of any mutation, it could affect the masses like Covid-19. “We have been hearing the virus has been spreading and I want to ask if Pakistan is ready to deal with the virus if it mutates,” she asked. Dr Darshan claimed that Pakistan dealt with Covid-19 effectively as the country witnessed “minimum deaths”.

“If she [Zahra Fatemi] has data regarding [virus]cases, she should share it with us,” he said.

MNA Nuzhat Sadiq asked what kind of steps were being taken to spread awareness, asking if the airport staff was trained to check and detect the virus.

Dr Darshan claimed that the staff was trained and the temperature of each passenger was being checked. It is worth mentioning that NIH has claimed that the HMPV, which is spreading in China, has been present in Pakistan for over two decades.

In a statement, the NIH claimed that 21 cases were reported to Islamabad’s Pims hospital in 2015. It added that the government was closely monitoring the situation in China, where the virus was spreading and the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) also conducted a meeting in this regard. It also claimed that the WHO had not issued any advisory or emergency alert.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2025