HMPV Virus Cases Highlights: Centre and states monitoring the situation; Urge public to stay vigilant

Amid the rise in respiratory illnesses across the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) maintained that the observed increase in respiratory pathogen detections is within the range expected for this time of year during the Northern hemisphere winter. In China, influenza is the most commonly detected respiratory pathogen currently affecting people with acute respiratory infections. “WHO is in contact with Chinese health officials and has not received any reports of unusual outbreak patterns,” it stated.

A six-month-old baby at Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai’s Powai has tested positive for HMPV. The baby was admitted to the hospital on January 1 due to severe cough, chest tightness, and a drop in oxygen levels to 84 per cent.

Health experts maintains that there is a worrisome link between hMPV and kidney health. A study on hospitalized children found that hMPV infection may be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). The research suggests that AKI risk increases with age and the kidney injury may not be strictly related to respiratory complications.

Dr. Pinaki R. Debnath, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, has clarified that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus but has existed earlier. Speaking to ANI, he explained that the recent surge in cases could be linked to colder conditions, which results in lowering immunity and increases the spread of respiratory infections.

“HMPV is a respiratory RNA virus that infects the respiratory system and spreads more when immunity is compromised,” Dr. Debnath stated. The virus particularly affects vulnerable age groups like children below five years and elderly who are more than 60 because of low immunity levels, he added.

The Patna administration has appealed to the residents to stay calm and follow all the guidelines issued by the Centre and the Bihar government regarding HMPV cases in parts of the country. Officials clarified that there is no need to panic and highlighted the importance of preventive measures to restrict respiratory infections.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given assurance to the public that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with two cases that have been recently identified in the state, does not pose a significant danger. However, he has advised residents to be alert and follow all the preventive measures to restrict any potential spread of the virus.

Gujarat’s health department has established isolation wards in civil hospitals across Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot following the detection of the state’s first case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms.

The development comes after a two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad was confirmed with the infection nearly two weeks ago, according to officials.

To address potential health emergencies, the health department has created 15-bed isolation wards in each of the three civil hospitals, totaling 45 beds. Currently, these wards remain unoccupied as no new HMPV cases have been reported.

On Monday, the department issued a circular instructing all government hospitals to prepare for handling HMPV cases. Plans are underway to procure and distribute additional testing kits to expedite detection efforts.

The health department reassured the public that precautionary measures are being taken, and there is no cause for alarm at this stage.

The Pune district administration in Maharashtra assured residents on Tuesday that measures are in place to address human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases. Officials emphasized there is no cause for alarm, as the infection is typically mild and self-limiting.

HMPV is a respiratory virus that commonly affects individuals of all ages, particularly during winter and early spring. Most infections resolve on their own without requiring medical intervention.

India recorded its first cases of HMPV on Monday, with five children testing positive in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. On Tuesday, two suspected cases were reported from Nagpur, Maharashtra. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any further spread.

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Tuesday confirmed that no cases of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in the state. He emphasized that the virus is not as severe as Covid-19 and assured residents that the state’s medical infrastructure is equipped to handle any potential outbreak.

“There has been no HMPV case in Punjab so far. This is a mild virus and does not cause serious illness like Covid. There’s no need to panic. Our hospitals, beds, and emergency equipment are ready. While Covid was a new virus, HMPV is known to us. People with cough or cold should wear masks,” Singh said, addressing ANI.

Maharashtra Officials Monitor Suspected HMPV Cases in Nagpur

In Maharashtra, two suspected HMPV cases have surfaced in Nagpur. State Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif urged caution, particularly for children and elderly individuals with underlying health conditions.

“There’s no need to panic, but children and the elderly with co-morbidities must remain vigilant. Of the five patients, one has been discharged, and the rest are recovering,” Mushrif stated during a meeting on the virus. Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Dinesh Waghmare and Commissioner Rajiv Nivatkar, participated in the review via video conference.

HMPV in India: No Unusual Surge Observed

So far, five HMPV cases have been reported across the country, including two in Bengaluru, one in Ahmedabad, and two suspected cases in Nagpur. Health experts associate HMPV with respiratory illnesses, but there has been no significant spike in cases in India.

Authorities in both Punjab and Maharashtra continue to monitor the situation closely and have reassured the public of their preparedness to manage the virus.

Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil reassured the public on Tuesday, stating that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common virus and there is no need for panic. He clarified that the virus, which has been prevalent in India and other countries since 2001, should be treated as a regular viral infection.

Chairing a meeting with health officials to discuss concerns about HMPV, Shandil emphasized that there has been no significant rise in influenza or serious respiratory diseases across the country, including in Himachal Pradesh.

The Health Minister advised the public to remain cautious, especially in case of symptoms like cough, fever, and cold. He encouraged people to visit local health centers if they experience such symptoms. Shandil also recommended precautionary measures like wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and resting at home if feeling unwell.

The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the spread and severity of HMPV.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George reassured the public on Tuesday that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been detected in several states, including Kerala, in the past, and there is no cause for concern. She urged people to avoid spreading fake news that causes unnecessary panic.

The minister advised wearing masks as a precaution against airborne viruses like HMPV. George emphasized that the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) had confirmed that HMPV was not a new virus.

IMA confirms no new threat from HMPV

Doctors from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Kochi echoed similar sentiments, stating that HMPV has been present in India for years. They clarified that it did not originate from China and urged the public not to compare it to Covid-19, as both are different. They also recommended precautionary measures like wearing masks and washing hands to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Centre has urged states to intensify surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), and raise awareness about preventing the spread of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) after five cases were reported in India.

On Tuesday, Maharashtra’s Nagpur reported two suspected cases of HMPV. Both patients were discharged after receiving treatment, according to a senior official. Their samples have been sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Nagpur and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further analysis.

Sunita Tamta, Director of Uttarakhand Medical Health and Family Welfare, urged the public to adhere to health precautions and remain vigilant, especially among high-risk groups like children and the elderly, following recent cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country.

Speaking to ANI, Tamta explained that while HMPV is similar to other flu viruses, it poses a greater risk to vulnerable populations. “There is no need to panic, but increased caution is necessary. Children and the elderly should take extra care, as they are more susceptible. If anyone shows flu-like symptoms, they should maintain distance, cover their mouth while coughing, and pay special attention to their diet. Following medical advice and taking prescribed medication is essential,” she said.

Tamta further stated that she has issued guidelines to hospitals to ensure readiness, with updated beds, oxygen plants, and ICU facilities. “All necessary measures are being taken to ensure preparedness,” she added.

Two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Both patients, children aged seven and 14, are in good health, with their samples sent for further testing, a senior official confirmed on Tuesday.

The suspected cases were identified after the children visited a private hospital’s outpatient department. Their samples have been forwarded to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Nagpur and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for confirmation.

Addressing media concerns, Nagpur District Collector Vipin Itankar clarified, “Reports about confirmed HMPV patients in Nagpur are incorrect. The children’s samples were tested and marked as suspected cases.” He assured the public that the children are in good health and urged people not to panic.

Maharashtra Medical Education Minister has appealed to the citizens to follow the guidelines and create awareness about this disease among people. As part of preventive measures and precautions, the Health Department has appealed to the citizens to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing. Patients should consult a doctor if they have symptoms like fever, cough or cold.

Maharashtra Medical Education Minister, Hasan Mushrif said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that HMPV cases have been found in some states. The citizens of our state should not panic because the government will soon issue comprehensive guidelines regarding this situation and take preventive measures to control this disease. “All the principals should be prepared for po ssible situations with medicines, oxygen and isolation if necessary. They should contact the District Collector of the concerned district for additional and abundant medicines,” he said.

Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif said there is no need to panic but children and elderly with co-morbid conditions need to stay alert. He also said that the effect of the HMPV virus is being seen in many countries of the world. There is no need to panic. “Children and elderly with co-morbid conditions need to stay alert,” he said.

Symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include:

According to the CDC, clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV. Medical care is supportive, reveals the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka on Tuesday urged the state government not to take Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) lightly as it has created “havoc” in China. In the wake of two children testing positive in Bengaluru for the virus, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, said the administration should immediately check the status of oxygen availability and ICU beds in government hospitals.

According to CDC, your patients can help prevent the spread of HMPV and other respiratory viruses by following these steps:

Patients who have cold-like symptoms should

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),

HMPV is most likely spread from an infected person to others through

In the U.S., HMPV circulates in distinct annual seasons. HMPV circulation begins in winter and lasts until or through spring, CDC revealed.

Tamil Nadu Additional Chief Secretary to Health Supriya Sahu said that there is no need to panic but be vigilant. ” Those who have severe lung infections need to kind of get the treatment. These are the people who should immediately access, but it’s a viral infection,” she advised.  

In an official statement, PGIMER’s Sanjay Jain said, “Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that circulates during winter, often causing influenza-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and sore throat. Though it affects all age groups, it is particularly concerning for young children and the elderly. Currently, there is no surge in influenza-like cases or hospitalizations at PGIMER. We encourage good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and wearing masks in crowded spaces. The medical facilities are adequate to manage these kinds of respiratory illnesses effectively.”

Prof. Sanjay Jain, Dean (Research) and Head of the Department of Internal Medicine at PGIMER said that HMPV has not caused a surge in influenza-like cases or hospitalizations at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. He urged the public to follow hygiene practices such as handwashing and wearing masks in crowded spaces to prevent the spread of the respiratory virus.

Director of Public Health Dr Nilkantha Mishra in Odisha said that HMPV was there in India, the only point is that they were not reported to the authorities. These cases are not new cases. “Testing has started at various places in Odisha. AIIMS was already testing. We will be testing at new centres. GoI has not issued a specific advisory except for general precautions, that is a standard advisory. Don’t panic and be careful,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu Health Minister also said that both the HMPV patietns are doing well. Those with cold, cough and fever may get themselves tested for HMPV but there was no exclusive treatment for it, the minister said. He said safety measures like wearing mask, practicing social distancing and hand hygiene were encouraged, especially for the symptomatic. Chief Minister M K Stalin was constantly monitoring the situation, Subramanian added.

The Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian said there was no need to panic over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), as it was not a new and potent one, and said the two individuals found infected with HMPV in the state were “doing well.” One of them, who hails from Salem was a 69 year-old person suffering from cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes while the other, from here, was aged about 45 years.

Doctors told Financial Express.com that although HMPV is primarily a respiratory virus, it has also been associated with neurological complications, including immune-mediated encephalitis. Tap to know more

China is currently facing a surge in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Other than China, Malaysia has also experienced a notable surge in HMPV infections in recent months. HMPV has also been reported in Hong Kong, though the number of cases there remains low. Neighbouring countries, including Japan, have been closely monitoring the situation.