Seven Cases of Human Metapneumovirus Reported in India; Centre Assures Public of No Cause for Panic
India has reported seven confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus, across several states, including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. The latest cases were reported from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
The first two cases emerged from Bengaluru, Karnataka, where two babies—one three-month-old and one eight-month-old—were diagnosed with HMPV. While the three-month-old baby has been discharged, the eight-month-old remains under medical care. Subsequently, a case was detected in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, involving a two-month-old infant. In Tamil Nadu, two children were reported to have contracted the virus from Chennai and Salem districts.
In Maharashtra’s Nagpur, two children, aged seven and 13, tested positive for HMPV. Initially suspected to be infected with H1N1 (swine flu), further testing confirmed HMPV through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Both children recovered with outpatient care, according to the Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences in Nagpur.
Despite the detection of these cases, the Union health ministry has assured the public that there is no reason to panic. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed the situation and affirmed that there is no surge in respiratory illnesses nationwide. The government has reiterated that surveillance measures are in place to monitor and manage these cases effectively.
The health ministry has advised states to ramp up awareness campaigns regarding preventive measures for HMPV, including proper hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and following respiratory hygiene practices like covering mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.
The health ministry also urged states to review and strengthen surveillance systems for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), ensuring swift identification and management of any further cases.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured citizens that the country’s surveillance network remains vigilant and capable of handling any emerging health concerns. “There is no cause for concern. We are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond promptly to any developments,” he said.
Experts have also weighed in on the situation. Former ICMR scientist Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar emphasized that HMPV is not a deadly virus. He explained that most cases are mild and lead to common cold-like symptoms, especially in children under five and older adults over 65. He added that while HMPV could cause pneumonitis-like illnesses, the mortality rate remains low, and the virus has a global prevalence of around 4%.
With no severe transmission rates observed so far, health authorities continue to monitor the situation, assuring the public that HMPV, while notable, does not pose a major threat at this time.
