So far, 7 cases of HMPV infection have been identified in children in India. Two cases each have been recorded in Bengaluru, Nagpur and Tamil Nadu and one in Ahmedabad. The virus that spread in China has gained momentum in India as well.
At the same time, Union Health Minister JP Nadda had allayed concerns and said that the increase in these cases will not lead to an outbreak like Covid. HMPV is not a new virus. It was identified in 2001 itself and has been spreading around the world for many years. Experts also say that HMPV rarely requires hospitalization and timely treatment can prevent complications.
Many states have issued advisories
Amidst all this, many states including the capital Delhi have issued advisories. Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat have also issued advisories. At the same time, reacting to the growing apprehensions and discussions on social media regarding this virus, Nadda said in a video message that the government is actively monitoring the situation and implementing necessary measures for public safety.
2 cases identified in Nagpur, Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, two cases of HMPV infection have been detected in the sub-capital Nagpur. Symptoms of this virus have been found in two children here. Their HMPV test report has come positive. Two children were admitted to a hospital in Nagpur for treatment. In the test conducted on January 3, 2025, the report of a seven-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl has come positive. Both the children were suffering from cough and fever.
No case of HMPV virus in Mumbai
On the other hand, in the capital Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Monday that no case of 'Human Metapneumovirus' (HMPV) has been found in Mumbai. BMC said in a release that the Central and Maharashtra governments have assured that HMPV is not a matter of great concern and necessary precautions are being taken to prevent it from spreading.
The Directorate of Health Services, Pune, had issued guidelines on January 3 outlining preventive measures after reports of HMPV outbreak in China appeared in the media."
The release also said that the Public Health Department has analyzed the state's respiratory infection data, which shows no significant increase in cases in December 2024 compared to 2023.
How to prevent
The release issued on HMPV infection said, "However, the Health Department has urged citizens to follow the guidelines as a precaution to protect themselves from respiratory infections. Citizens are advised to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or 'tissue paper' while coughing or sneezing, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer. If they show symptoms like fever, cough or sneeze, they should avoid going to public places.”
The release also said that citizens should ensure ventilation of all areas, drink enough water, eat nutritious food to prevent the spread of infection. They are urged to avoid shaking hands. At present, the Ministry of Health, ICMR and NCDC are monitoring the situation in China and neighboring countries. WHO has also taken note of this situation and will also share its report soon.
HMPV was first identified in the Netherlands in the year 2001. It causes mild respiratory infections to serious diseases like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Prakash Kumar Pandey
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