HMPV Cases in India: The number of HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) cases in India continues to rise. Recent data reveals that seven people in the country have been affected by this virus so far. Cases have been confirmed in three states. However, the central government has stated that there is no cause for concern and that the situation remains under control. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said on Monday that the government is closely monitoring the situation and emphasized that there is no need for worry. He also clarified that HMPV is not a new virus.
Where Were the Patients Found?
According to media reports, seven new cases of HMPV were recorded in India on Monday. Two patients were found in Bengaluru, two in Nagpur, and two in Tamil Nadu, while one case was confirmed in Ahmedabad. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two cases in the Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. The first case involved a 3-year-old girl who was hospitalized in December after experiencing fever and cold. She has now fully recovered and has been discharged. The second case was reported on January 3, involving an 8-month-old baby. Both children had previously suffered from bronchiolitis, but neither had traveled abroad.
In Ahmedabad, a 2-year-old child from Dungarpur, Rajasthan, was admitted to a private hospital on December 24, where HMPV was confirmed on December 26. Additionally, two children, aged 7 and 13, were admitted to a hospital in Nagpur on January 3. Both children have since recovered. Tamil Nadu’s Health Secretary Supriya Sahu stated that there are two active cases in the state, with treatment ongoing in Chennai and Salem.
Government Says No Cause for Concern
Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda assured that the government is monitoring the situation closely and there is no reason to be concerned. He emphasized that HMPV is not a new virus and that no significant increase in common respiratory pathogens has been observed in the country. In a video message, Nadda said that in light of recent news regarding HMPV in China, the Ministry of Health, ICMR, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are closely monitoring the situation in China and other neighboring countries.
He added that the World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the situation and will soon share a report with India. Nadda further mentioned that ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program have reviewed the data on respiratory viruses in the country and found no unusual increase in common respiratory pathogens. On January 4, a joint monitoring meeting was held under the leadership of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to review the situation.
The health minister assured, “The countryтАЩs health systems and surveillance networks are alert to ensure that the nation is prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging health challenges. There is no cause for concern, and we are closely monitoring the situation.”
