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India on Monday reported five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as two infants in Bengaluru, one infant in Ahmedabad and two children in Chennai tested positive for the virus.
Health minister JP Nadda (ANI)
As India reports five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) on Monday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda addressed the concerns saying that it is not a new virus. He further urged the citizens not to panic and remain calm.
The virus, first identified in 2001, has been present globally for several years, he said.
Nadda released a video message in which he emphasised that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure public safety.
#WATCH | Union Health Minister JP Nadda says, “Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons… pic.twitter.com/h1SSshe2iQ— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months,” he said.
Follow HMPV Virus Live Updates Here
Responding to the concerns over the surge in HMPV cases in China, Nadda said that Indian health agencies and authorities are actively monitoring the situation.
“The Health Ministry, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are keeping a close watch on developments in China and neighbouring countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the situation and will provide a detailed report shortly,” he said.
The union minister further said that the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) shows no significant surge in respiratory viral pathogens in India as of now.
“The country’s health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant to ensure a prompt response to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he added.
India Reports 5 Cases of HMPV
Five children tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat on Monday, the first reported cases of the virus in India.
Two of the five cases were detected in Karnataka by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens.
A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the health ministry said.
Additionally, an eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering, it said.
A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad also tested positive for HMPV. The infant, who hails from Dungarpur in Rajasthan, was admitted to the hospital on December 24, 2024, with symptoms of respiratory infection.
Initially, the child needed ventilator support but his condition is stable now, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation medical officer Bhavin Solanki said, as reported by news agency PTI.
Additionally, two children were tested positive for the virus in Chennai. These two are the first cases to be reported from the city from two hospitals.
What Is HMPV?
HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China. It is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups.
According to the Cleveland Clinic website, a virus — a small germ that uses your cells to make more copies of itself — causes human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
It is a virus that usually causes symptoms similar to the common cold. It often causes upper respiratory infections, but it can sometimes cause lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, asthma flare-ups or make chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worse.
HMPV infections are more common in the winter and early spring.
Govt Issues Advisory
Delhi health authorities on Sunday issued an advisory to ensure preparedness for potential health challenges related to HMPV.
According to a statement, Dr Vandana Bagga, Director General of Health Services, convened a meeting with chief district medical officers and the state programme officer of IDSP on Sunday to discuss preparedness to address respiratory illnesses in Delhi.
While the Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra governments assured that there was no cause for alarm.
Meanwhile, the Union health ministry emphasised that HMPV is already in circulation globally.
The ministry said it is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year, it said.
The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed, the ministry stated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said citizens must not panic amid the detection of HMPV cases in some other states and asserted his government will soon issue a comprehensive advisory on the situation.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, meanwhile, said no HMPV case has been found in the metropolis.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also confirmed on Monday that no HMPV cases have so far been detected in the state.
(With inputs from agencies)
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