‘HMPV not a new virus, identified in 2001…’: Health Minister as 3 cases reported in India’

NEW DELHI: After three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday, saying that there is no cause for alarm. He emphasized that the virus, first identified in 2001, poses no new threat.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, and another case was reported in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. These cases were detected as part of ongoing surveillance efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the country. Nadda reassured the public that health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any health challenges. In a video statement, the Health Minister said that there is no reason to worry and that the government is closely monitoring the situation.

“Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001… HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months,” Nadda said.

He also mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the situation, with the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) keeping track of developments and ensuring the country’s preparedness to handle any emerging health challenges.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken cognizance of the situation and will share its report with us shortly. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed, and no surge in any common respiratory viral pathogens has been observed in India. A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on January 4 to review the situation,” Nadda said.

#WATCH | Union Health Minister JP Nadda says, “Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons… pic.twitter.com/h1SSshe2iQ

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025

“The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation,” he added. In Karnataka, Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasized that the HMPV cases are mild and similar to influenza-like illnesses.

Speaking to the media, he said the HMPV cases detected in Bengaluru are not connected to the HMPV cases in China, adding that there is no serious situation emerging from the virus. Karnataka government officials said that the HMPV cases in Bengaluru are mild, with no further testing required at this stage.

“There is nothing to worry about. People need not panic; these are mild cases. Among both the children (who were detected with HMPV), one has been discharged, and the other is also doing well. It is a mild form of the common cold. The government is closely monitoring this. Our state medical education and health department have issued advisories. No testing is required as of now,” State Minister for Medical Education, Dr Sharan Prakash said.

BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said that this new virus is causing some concern among the people.

“The Government of India has given a lot of clarifications regarding it. The state government should take precautions, such as providing masks, gloves and sanitation for health workers,” he said.

In Gujarat, a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan tested positive for HMPV in Ahmedabad. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reassured the public, saying there is “no need to panic” and that the state government is following precautionary measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This (HMPV) has been detected in a 2-month-old child who came from Rajasthan’s Dungarpur to Sarwar. The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad. We are following the dos and don’ts that were used during COVID, and SOPs will be issued by the state government,” Minister Patel said in a statement.

The two-month-old child has been shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. Later, doctors at the hospital said that the child, who had been admitted on December 24 with cold, cough, flu-like symptoms, along with mild breathing difficulty, was treated, including in the ICU. “

As of now, the child is absolutely alright and ready for discharge… The child was found HMPV positive in our report. This is not a COVID-like virus,” said Dr. Nirav Patel, a doctor at the hospital. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that no HMPV cases have been reported in Mumbai, urging citizens to take necessary precautions. The detection of HMPV cases seems to have caused some jitters in financial markets, with Sensex and Nifty witnessing declines, according to experts.

The Nifty 50 ended the day down over 388 points, and the BSE Sensex fell more than 1,258 points, influenced by global cues. HMPV is a respiratory virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses. However, there has been no unusual surge in cases in India. (ANI)