HMPV virus in India: How much it costs to get tested?

New Delhi : Amid rising number of cases in China, India has also reported a number of cases of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), leading to many people opting to get themselves tested. But, how much will it cost on your pocket if you wish to get tested against the symptoms of HMPV.

When it comes to testing the HMPV virus, an advanced tool like the BioFire panel, capable of detecting multiple pathogens, including HMPV is required. If reports are to be believed then it may cost you between Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 at leading laboratories such as Dr Lal PathLabs, Tata 1mg Labs, and Max Healthcare Labs. If you desire to get a comprehensive test to check other respiratory pathogens then it may cost you up to Rs 20,000. Testing samples typically include nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum, and tracheal aspirates.

Earlier on Monday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public, saying that there is no cause for alarm. He emphasised that the virus, first identified in 2001, poses no new threat. HMPV is a virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses. The country has reported so far eight cases of HMPV: Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), Tamil Nadu (2), Maharashtra’s Nagpur (2), and Mumbai (1). All the cases were detected in young children ranging from 3 months old to 13 years old.

Symptoms of HMPV

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Nasal congestion

• Fatigue

Currently, there are no specific antiviral medications for HMPV. Mild cases recover at home with basic care. For those who are unaware, testing COVID used to cost between Rs 500-1000, which means it is over 3-8 times costlier.