HMPV in India: Karnataka, Gujarat, and other state governments issue advisories

HMPV in India: Six infants have tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Gujarat on Monday. Following this, Centre and various statement government have issued advisories to prevent the spread of the virus.

On Monday, Health Minister J P Nadda maintained that the government is closely monitoring the situation and there is no reason to worry. HMPV is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China. HMPV is a viral pathogen that causes respiratory infections in people of all age groups.

Here’s how state governments are preparing to tackle HMPV in India:

Delhi:

The Delhi government directed all hospitals in the capital to remain fully prepared to manage a potential surge in respiratory illnesses with former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urging the Centre to act swiftly to prevent a potential health crisis. On Monday morning, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj issued a directive marked “Most Urgent”, instructing the health and family welfare department to closely monitor the situation and remain in constant touch with the Union health ministry for timely updates.

Rajasthan:

Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar said while there were some cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in some states, there was no need to panic. As a precaution, however, medical officers across Rajasthan have been instructed to remain alert, he said.

Uttar Pradesh:

As the preparations for the successful organisation of the Maha Kumbh 2025 are being carried out extensively, the health department has made comprehensive arrangements to tackle potential health challenges, especially the HMPV virus.

Karnataka:

The Karnataka government also issued an advisory, urging people not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as COVID. Emphasising that the respiratory virus primarily affects children, causing infections similar to the common cold, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) said hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases. To prevent escalation of the spread of the virus, people are advised to cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, wash hands frequently with soap, avoid public places if symptomatic and close contact with sick persons. It also advised people not to reuse tissue papers or handkerchiefs, share towels and linen and avoid spitting in public places. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, close personal contact, and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes, it added.

Gujarat:

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel assured people that the state government is prepared to tackle the viral infection. “As part of the precautionary measures, the health department held a meeting on January 4 and instructed every chief district health officer, civil surgeon, and superintendent of sub-district hospitals in the state to pay full attention to matters related to the infection of this virus,” he said. Arrangements will be made for the diagnosis of HMPV in various government hospitals, the minister said, adding that the people should understand the viral infection symptoms and take measures accordingly.

Maharashtra:

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. The Directorate of Health Services, Pune has issued a guideline in this regard on January 3, 2025. Information about what to do and what not to do has been given through the guidelines. The information is being given through the Public Health Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation that no such patient infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been found in Mumbai city and suburbs.

However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administration is also appealing to citizens to follow the guidelines,” the BMC stated. However, as part of the alert, the health department has appealed to citizens to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when they cough or sneeze. “Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer. Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneeze. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in all places to reduce transmission,” the BMC stated. The health department urged the people to not shake hands and not reuse tissue paper and handkerchiefs. “Close contact with sick people. Touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Spitting in public places. Taking medicine (self-medication) without consulting a doctor,” it stated.

Kerala:

Kerala Health Minister Veena George on advised the elderly and pregnant women to wear masks, adding there is no need to panic as of now. “We should all pay attention to some things in the context of the news that there is a major outbreak of viral fever and pneumonia in China. There are no reports of any viruses that are likely to become a pandemic or spread very quickly to other areas in China at this time,” George said. She further said that since Malayalis are in all parts of the world, and expatriates from many parts of the world, including China, are coming to our country, we should be “cautious.”