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

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressed concerns over the HMPV virus, stating that health experts have assured that the virus is not dangerous. He also said that there is no need to worry about it and the government is alert.

As children are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from the infections, Delhi Public Schools in Bengaluru and Mysuru have asked parents to not send them to schools even when they mild symptoms, as per media reports.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak addressed concerns on Tuesday over the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus. Pathak assured the public that the government is moving forward with complete alertness. He also maintained that the government is prepared to handle any situation that may arise.

Although both HMPV and COVID-19 are different they do share some similarities. Both the virus can spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact and contaminated surfaces. Both HMPV and COVID-19 can cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath, and they are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations, including infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Read more

The guidelines by the Uttarakhand government recommend special care for children, elderly individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. People are advised to use a handkerchief or tissue to cover their nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and to avoid crowded places.

Maintaining hand hygiene with soap and water is crucial, as is consuming plenty of fluids and nutritious food. Those experiencing symptoms such as cold, cough, or fever are urged to seek medical advice and only take medicines as prescribed. Symptomatic individuals should maintain distance from healthy people to prevent transmission.

Patients exhibiting symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) should be closely monitored at both the hospital and community levels. Furthermore, it is mandatory to enter the details of these patients into the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

According to the health department of Uttarakhand, as a precautionary measure, it is mandatory to adhere to the following guidelines to prevent and protect against winter-related respiratory diseases, including HMPV. Hospitals are required to ensure the availability of adequate isolation beds or wards, oxygen beds, ICU beds, ventilators, and oxygen cylinders for the treatment of influenza and pneumonia patients. Additionally, they must maintain a sufficient stock of essential medicines and materials, such as PPE kits, N-95 masks, and VTM vials, while ensuring an adequate number of doctors and nursing staff at all healthcare facilities, from medical colleges to primary health centres.

The State’s Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory on Monday to prevent and control respiratory diseases, including seasonal influenza and human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is witnessing a global spread. The advisory emphasised precautionary measures, preparedness in healthcare facilities, and public awareness to address the increased transmission risk during winter months.

An incidence of 1.3 per cent for HMPV was reported in December 2024 in India following testing of 714 suspected cases. The nine cases reported in December included four from Puducherry, two from Odisha, and one each from Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, with all patients recovering, as per the Health Ministry.

An IDSP review of all states on Monday also reported no major surge in respiratory infections in the country. However, it indicated nine HMPV cases were detected in India in December with zero mortalities.

The centre has advised states to enhance awareness among the population regarding prevention of transmission of the virus with simple measures such as washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are exhibiting symptoms of the disease; cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing etc.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava advised states to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance. She reiterated that an increase in respiratory illnesses is usually seen during the winter months. She also stated that the country is well prepared for any potential surge in respiratory illness cases.

Two children, aged seven and 14, tested positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Nagpur, increasing the total number of cases of the respiratory illness to seven.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava chaired a meeting with states and union territories in a virtual mode on Monday to review the present situation of respiratory illnesses in India and the status regarding the HMPV cases following surge in HMPV cases in China, and the public health measures for their management.

HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. It spreads through respiratory droplets, personal contact, and contaminated surfaces. This virus is part of a group of pathogens that can lead to influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). HMPV is typically more common during the winter and early spring months.

Two infants have tested positive for HMPV. A three-month-old girl, who had a history of bronchopneumonia, was diagnosed and has been discharged after receiving treatment at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. An eight-month-old boy, also with a history of bronchopneumonia, tested positive on January 3 and is currently recovering.

Regarding the HMPV cases detected in India, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj noted that there is a likelihood of similar cases appearing in other states as well, as “the two people had no history of international travel.” He added, “It means that they got infected by someone somewhere in India. We are hearing globally that such a virus is spreading rapidly.” Bharadwaj also mentioned, “Delhi is the national capital with the highest international travel here, so I discussed this with Arvind Kejriwal… He told me several things.”

“I have ordered the Health Secretary to visit 3 hospitals daily to see that the medicines are available, SOPs are being followed, PSA plants, oxygen plants are operational and send me a daily report every day. I believe that we are there for the people of Delhi, we are alert and as of now, there is no need to panic. We are monitoring all situations and if anything happens, we will inform the public promptly,” Bharadwaj said.

Amid growing concerns over the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) following the confirmation of three cases in India, Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday, stating that it is not a new virus and urged people not to panic.

In a video message addressing the increasing fears and social media discussions about the virus, which led to the #lockdown trending, JP Nadda emphasized that the government is actively monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety.

The emergence of another virus resembling the impact of COVID-19 has sparked panic among investors. The Indian government reported that two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were detected by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Karnataka. According to the Health Ministry, both cases were identified through routine surveillance for various respiratory viral pathogens. Unverified reports suggest that China has declared a state of emergency and cases are rising in Malaysia. In response, several state governments, including those of Maharashtra and Karnataka, have issued precautionary guidelines. While it’s too early to assess the full economic impact of this virus, the uncertainty surrounding its spread and potential consequences is fueling concerns among investors.

The health ministry announced earlier today that there has been no unusual increase in cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) across the country. It also assured that India is fully prepared to manage any potential rise in respiratory illnesses, with public health interventions ready to be implemented swiftly if required.

Extensive preparations are underway for Mahakumbh 2025, with health authorities focusing on comprehensive strategies to address potential health challenges. Special attention is being given to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has raised concerns following the detection of a few cases in the country. However, the government has reassured the public that HMPV is not an unusual or new pathogen.

Following the detection of HMPV cases in India, Telangana Health Minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha assured that all necessary medical facilities are in place and the state is fully prepared to manage any situation related to Human Metapneumovirus.

In a statement, the minister emphasized that there is no need for panic regarding the virus. He also warned that the government would take strict action against the spread of false or baseless information on social media intended to create fear among the public.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday instructed officials from the Health, Medical & Family Welfare Department to remain vigilant against Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and implement preventive measures.

During a teleconference with officials and Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav to assess the situation, the Chief Minister was informed that no cases of HMPV had been reported in the state. Earlier, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav convened a review meeting with officials, where it was noted that HMPV has been present since 2001 and is associated with a low fatality rate.

Tamil Nadu has confirmed two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with one case each reported in Chennai and Salem, according to the Additional Chief Secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Family Welfare. As of now, both individuals are in stable condition, the official stated on Monday.

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a widespread respiratory virus known to cause mild cold-like symptoms. Although it was first identified by scientists in 2001, research indicates that it has been circulating in human populations since the 1970s. HMPV contributes to 4-16% of acute respiratory infections worldwide, with cases typically peaking between November and May.

While most adults possess immunity due to prior exposure, the virus can lead to more severe symptoms in infants experiencing it for the first time and in individuals with weakened immune systems.