Do not make panic and make anxiety viral because of the virus. That seems to be the message of experts as most of them are reassuring people about the Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) as it is known. It is not a new virus say most and is a well-known pathogen, circulating in India, too, for a while.

The Centre and state have also asked people not to panic but claim they are quite prepared to tackle the situation. There are reports trickling in about special centres being prepared and the Centre telling states to ‘stay alert’.