New Delhi:
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus is spreading very rapidly in China. Now this virus has slowly started spreading in India also. So far three cases of this virus have been reported in India. After Bengaluru, now the report of a 2 month old child in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has come positive. The child is undergoing treatment in a private hospital. So far, three cases of HMPV Virus have been reported in India. Of these, two cases have come to light in Karnataka and now one case has come to light from Gujarat.
The child from Ahmedabad has symptoms of cold and fever. According to a lab of a private hospital, the child’s HMVP report has come positive. The child is a resident of a village near Modasa. However, his health is said to be normal.
Gujarat Health Department has issued a health advisory on Monday. Considering the seriousness of the virus, the department has advised people to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief if they cough or sneeze. If you are sick, avoid going to public places and if you have respiratory problems, consult doctors immediately.
Two cases of HMPV in Karnataka
Earlier, two cases of HMPV were detected in Karnataka. However, he had no travel history. HMPV infection was detected in a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy in Bengaluru through routine surveillance. The infection was identified after the children were admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. Both children had a history of pneumonia called bronchopneumonia, which is a type of lung infection. Bronchopneumonia affects the alveoli in both the lungs and bronchi.
“Both cases were identified through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, which is part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory diseases across the country,” the health ministry statement said. “The boy has been discharged from the hospital and is now doing well.”
Guidelines issued regarding HMPV in Delhi
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has directed the Health and FE Department to make complete arrangements in Delhi. He said that as per the advice of the Union Health Ministry, all hospitals should be fully prepared to deal with any possible increase in respiratory disease. Also, the Health and Family Welfare Department should remain in touch with the Union Health Ministry to get timely updates about the preparedness in the capital.
Delhi health officials issued advisories to ensure preparedness regarding potential health challenges related to ‘Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)’ and other respiratory infections. According to a statement, Director General (Health Services) Dr Vandana Bagga held a meeting with Chief District Medical Officers and State Program Officer of IDSP to discuss preparedness to deal with respiratory diseases in Delhi.
Under the recommendations, hospitals have been directed to immediately report cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) through the IHIP portal. It has been made mandatory to enforce strict quarantine rules and take appropriate precautions in respect of suspected cases.
Maharashtra Health Minister – ‘No need to fear about HMPV’
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has said that the Health Department will soon hold a meeting in the next two days regarding the HMPV patients found in the country. Many misconceptions are arising from social media and incoming news, but there is no need to be afraid. Citizens have been advised to take care of themselves.
The Health Department said that citizens should strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Health Department regarding infectious diseases. The Health Minister also said that the Chief Minister and the Health Department are keeping an eye on the situation.
No case of HMPV in Andhra Pradesh – health official
No case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been reported in Andhra Pradesh. A health official assured people that there is no need to panic about the virus. Director of Public Health and Family Welfare K. Padmavati said that this virus spreads from one person to another just like Covid-19. It mainly affects children, elderly and persons with weak immunity.
Padmavati said in an official press release, “No case of HMPV has been reported in Andhra Pradesh. At present there is no need to panic.” According to the director, people living in close contact with persons infected with HMPV are at risk of contracting the virus. He said that this disease can also spread through coughing, sneezing, touching and shaking hands of infected persons.
Kerala is closely monitoring the situation with the Centre.
The Kerala government has said that they are closely monitoring the reports of large-scale cases of viral fever and respiratory infection in China and there is no need to panic at the moment. Kerala Health Minister Veena George said in a post on Facebook that no such report has been received so far about any virus that has emerged in China, in which it has been said that it could take the form of an epidemic or spread rapidly to other areas. Have you gone?
He said that Malayalees are from all parts of the world and migrants from other countries including China often come to the state, hence extra precautions should be taken. George said, “We are monitoring the situation in China. If any outbreak is detected which has the risk of spreading to other areas, we can stop its spread very quickly.” The minister urged people, especially pregnant women, children and the elderly, to be extra vigilant. Requested to wear a mask.
No case of HMPV in Telangana so far
Telangana Public Health Director B Ravinder Nayak said in a statement that no case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been reported so far in the state. The health department analyzed data on prevalent respiratory infections in the state and found that there was no significant increase in December 2024 compared to the same month a year ago.
Telangana Public Health Department has urged citizens to follow some do’s and don’ts. She said there is no cause for concern regarding the HMPV report and the department is closely coordinating with the health ministry at the Centre. Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Atul Goyal said that human metapneumovirus is like any other respiratory virus, which causes the common cold, and can cause flu-like symptoms in the young and the very elderly.
HMPV cases increasing rapidly in China
HMPV is already being seen globally including India. Cases of respiratory diseases associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries, especially China.
The Union Health Ministry is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels, reporting that there has been no unusual increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in the country. The ministry said ICMR will continue to monitor trends in HMPV prevalence throughout the year.
No need to panic about the current situation – Health Ministry
Dr. Atul Goyal of the Directorate General of Health Services said that the disease can cause “flu-like symptoms” in the elderly and very young children. He said, “There is no need to panic about the current situation.” Goyal also suggested taking regular precautions against respiratory infections. He said, “If someone has cough and cold, he should avoid coming in contact with many people, so that the infection does not spread.”
HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Symptoms associated with HMPV commonly include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing.
HMPV has many symptoms like Covid-19
According to the report, HMPV virus mainly affects the respiratory system of the victim. Its symptoms are similar to those of Covid-19 in many cases. However, this virus mainly infects infants and young children. The most common symptom in a patient infected with this virus is cough. Along with this, problems like mild fever, wheezing, runny nose or sore throat may also occur. After getting infected with the virus, serious symptoms may occur in some cases. There may also be difficulty in breathing.
After four years, once again the dangerous new virus HMPV is creating panic in the world. It is being said that this virus also has a connection with China. The full name of the virus that causes respiratory problems is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). People are worried in India also. He has started remembering the Corona era.
