India has reported five confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), including two in Nagpur and three in other parts of the country. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has assured the public that HMPV, a virus that causes mild respiratory infections, is under control. Health experts have urged continued vigilance, as surveillance networks remain alert amid concerns over rising cases in neighboring countries.
BY PC Bureau
Nagpur authorities have confirmed two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in a 13-year-old and a 7-year-old patient, according to Shashikant Shambharkar, Deputy Director of Health. Initial reports from a private hospital indicated positive results, and both patients, who have been treated and discharged, have had their samples sent to AIIMS Nagpur for further analysis.
🚨जनहित में जारी!#HMPvirus से घबराने की कोई बात नहीं है। यह एक ज्ञात वायरस है जो श्वसन संक्रमण का कारण बनता है, जो कि ज्यादातर हल्का होता है। हर रोगाणु का पता लगाने के बजाय, हमें सर्दी होने पर सामान्य सावधानियां बरतनी चाहिए: मास्क पहनें, हाथ धोएं, भीड़ से बचें, गंभीर लक्षण होने… pic.twitter.com/Wq7MPeusI2
— Dr. B L Bairwa MS, FACS (@Lap_surgeon) January 6, 2025
These two cases bring the total number of confirmed HMPV cases in India to five, adding to previously reported cases in Bengaluru, Karnataka (two) and Ahmedabad, Gujarat (one), all detected through the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) respiratory illness monitoring efforts. Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public that the virus, first identified in 2001, does not pose a new or heightened threat.
In response to the detection of five HMPV cases in India, the Union Health Ministry has instructed states and union territories to strengthen surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). A virtual meeting chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, with officials from ICMR, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), emphasized the importance of public health measures to manage the virus.
Although no unusual increase in ILI or SARI cases has been reported, states have been advised to increase awareness campaigns promoting preventive practices, such as hand hygiene, avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, and following respiratory etiquette. Srivastava reassured the public that HMPV is a globally recognized virus, typically causing mild, self-limiting infections, and that diagnostic facilities are readily available at ICMR laboratories. The advisory comes amid a surge in HMPV cases in China, but India’s health systems are prepared for any potential rise, especially during the winter months.
🚨 BIG STATEMENT on HMPV by Health Minister JP Nadda.
“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. No reason to worry, surveillance & health systems vigilant.” pic.twitter.com/VKzSmsima4
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) January 6, 2025
On January 7, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reiterated the country’s preparedness in a video statement, assuring the public that India’s health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant in addressing any emerging health concerns. The ICMR confirmed three HMPV cases in India—two in Karnataka and one in Gujarat—detected as part of ongoing respiratory illness monitoring.
Nadda emphasized that there is no need for alarm, as HMPV is not a new virus. “It was first identified in 2001, and has been circulating globally for years. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and can affect people of all ages, with increased transmission during the winter and early spring months,” he said.
Nadda also noted that the Health Ministry, along with ICMR and NCDC, is closely monitoring developments in China and neighboring countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also reviewing the situation, and India is closely tracking global data. He assured the public that health systems remain vigilant, adding, “There is no reason for concern. We are monitoring the situation closely and will act swiftly if necessary.”
Despite the three confirmed cases, ICMR reported no significant rise in cases of ILI or SARI across the country
