KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population is going to carry out a study about the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division has announced that it is going to study the virus for the first time in patients in Nepal. Dr Yaduchandra Ghimire, Director of the Division, said that the study will be done by collecting samples of patients coming to the TU Teaching Hospital and Kanti Children’s Hospital.

The study will be carried out with the National Public Health Laboratory. Since HMPV is similar like influenza samples of patients who are negative for influenza will be collected and studied, he said.

The Ministry issued a statement today drawing attention to the fake news in various media and social networking sites, and urged all not to follow such rumors.

The Human metapneumovirus is not a new virus in Nepal as the virus that causes common cold has already been seen in the past. Dr Ghimire said that the risk of serious problems from this virus is low and its infection is likely to occur only in people with weak immunity, young children and the elderly.