HMPV cases LIVE: ‘Virus not new, no need to panic’, says govt as #lockdown trends on X

The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild cold-like symptoms. Studies show it has circulated in human populations since the 1970s, though it was first identified by scientists in 2001. The virus accounts for 4-16% of acute respiratory infections globally, with cases usually peaking between November and May.

While most adults have developed immunity through previous exposure, HMPV can cause more severe symptoms in infants encountering it for the first time and in people with weakened immune systems.

On two cases of HMPV detected in Karnataka’s Bengaluru, Dr Sharan Prakash, Minister for Medical Education in the state, said, “ Two cases have been detected in Bengaluru but the situation, there is nothing to worry about. People need not panic, these are mild cases, among both children (who were detected with HMPV), one has been discharged and the other one is also doing well.”

He added, “There is nothing to worry about and people need not panic, it is a mild form of the common cold. Govt of India is also closely monitoring this. Our medical education dept and health dept have issued advisories. No testing is required as of now…”

Two children have tested positive for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and are currently undergoing treatment, news agency PTI quoted health official saying on Monday.

These two are the first cases to be reported from the city from two hospitals. Further details are awaited. With this, the total HMPV tally of India goes up to five.

Meanwhile, officials of the state health department held a meeting to discuss the measures to be taken to screen for HMPV and the precautions to be put in place to contain its spread.

On HMPV cases detected in India, Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said there are chances there would be such cases in other states as well because the two people had no history of international travel. “It means that they got infected by someone somewhere in India. We are hearing globally that such a virus is spreading rapidly. Delhi is the national capital with the highest international travel here, so I discussed this with Arvind Kejriwal…He told me several things,” Bharadwaj said.

He said he has asked chief secretary to ensure that tracking is on and that they are in constant communication with Centre regarding this. “I have ordered the Health Secretary to visit 3 hospitals daily to see that the medicines are available, SOPs are being followed, PSA plants, oxygen plants are operational and send me a daily report every day. I believe that we are there for the people of Delhi, we are alert and as of now, there is no need to panic. We are monitoring all situations and if anything happens, we will inform the public promptly,” Bharadwaj said.

As concerns over the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) grew following the confirmation of three cases in India, health minister JP Nadda on Monday reassured the public that it is not a new virus, urging them not to panic.

Addressing the rising fears and chatter on social media over the virus that led to #lockdown trending, JP Nadda in a video message emphasised that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure public safety. Read full report

In a video message, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Monday that health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus, adding that it was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating in the entire world since many years.

As some reports claimed that West Bengal reported a case of HMPV, state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said no Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection has been detected in the state so far.

Banerjee is on a two-day visit to the Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas to take stock of preparations for the Ganga Sagar Mela (religious congregation) to be held later this month.

“We do not have any such alerts in this connection (HMPV cases). In case there are any, I will let you know. Our government is always in service of people; you have seen that during the Covid pandemic,” the chief minister said.

Informing that no Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case has been found in the metropolis, civic body of Maharashtra’s Mumbai said in a release that there is no need for people to unnecessarily panic.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of Mumbai said an analysis of state’s respiratory infection data showed no significant increase in cases in December 2024 compared to 2023. “However, as a precautionary measure, the health department has urged citizens to follow guidelines to protect themselves from respiratory infections. Citizens are advised to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. They must stay away from public places if they experience symptoms such as fever, cough or sneezing,” the civic body said.

On the HMPV virus, Additional Professor for Internal Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, Dr Neeraj Nischal said that we should not compare HMPV with Covid-19 because the latter was a completely new virus and no one had immunity against it.

“HMPV has been described since 2001, and even based on evidence, it dates back to the late 1950s… By the age of 10, the majority of the children develop immunity against this…,” the AIIMS doctor said.

Following the detection of two Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the Karnataka, the state government on Monday urged people not to panic as the virus is not as transmissible as Covid-19. Emphasising that the respiratory virus primarily affects children, causing infections similar to the common cold, the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) said in a release that hospitals have been instructed to report influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases.

HMPV causes flu-like symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

The Directorate of Medical Education in Karnataka on Mondau issued an advisory titled ‘Do Not Panic, Be Aware’ after two cases of HMPV were reported in Bengaluru.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday asked citizens to not panic amid the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in some other states and asserted his government will soon issue a comprehensive advisory on the situation.

A two-month-old boy admitted to a private hospital in Ahmedabad Gujarat has been detected with HMPV infection, while two cases have been detected in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur, CM Fadnavis said, “Citizens must not panic. The state health department will soon issue a comprehensive advisory on the situation. It is not a new virus. It is coming again. We will reissue an advisory regarding the virus.”

Surgical Oncologist Vishal Rao, Bengaluru’s HCG Hospital, said on Monday that even though there is no vaccine available for this virus, if one has taken a flu shot or the three vaccine doses of Covid, one already has immunity from HMPV.

“This is not something that will spread by me talking or breathing like Covid. This is not the case with HMPV virus because it’s a droplet infection… because of cough. You will need to take precautions,” said the doctor.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after unconfirmed reports of surge in China.

One HMPV case in Gujarat and two in Karnataka have been reported as part of routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an old, well-known virus with significant prior exposure in the population. Recent case spikes are largely due to increased NAAT testing amid rising awareness, not a sudden surge in infections.

Health officials and experts across hospitals and health bodies have also time and again emphasised that it is a well-known virus.

HMPV, first identified in 2001 by researchers in the Netherlands, is a significant cause of acute respiratory infections, according to the American Lung Association. The virus primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals, either through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or toys.

In the wake of first HMPV cases detected in India on Monday, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj directed Health & Family Welfare Department to make complete arrangements in Delhi.

“All hospitals should be completely prepared to handle any potential increase in respiratory illness as per the advise of Union Health Ministry. Health & Family Welfare Department should be in touch with Union Health Ministry to get timely updates about preparedness in the capital. No need to delay action, bring issues to me immediately over phone if directives needed,” a letter read

Saurabh Bharadwaj also directed health secretary to inspect three hospitals daily and submit reports to minister

Most persons have mild symptoms including cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat and fever. More severe illness, with wheezing, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, cough, pneumonia, and in adults, aggravation of asthma, also has been reported. In children younger than 1 year of age, the elderly and persons who have weak immune systems, HMPV can cause more serious respiratory illness.

Dr Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr Dangs Lab, said that the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China highlights the need for heightened surveillance and early detection mechanisms to curb its spread.

“The resurgence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) underscores the ever-evolving challenges posed by respiratory viruses, particularly in high-density populations. HMPV, a relatively underrecognized pathogen, has been a silent contributor to seasonal respiratory illnesses globally.

Read full story here.

After detection of two cases in the state, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said on Monday that the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an existing flu virus causing respiratory issues and is not a cause for panic, adding that the patient exhibiting HMPV symptoms is stable and will be discharged soon, with no history of international travel. There is no emergency as of now. People should stay calm, he said.

Of the two cases in Karnataka, one patient has recovered.

The outbreak of the HMPV virus calls for immediate attention from the Centre, said AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal. “Drawing from our experience with COVID, it’s crucial to contain such cases early and be prepared to tackle what could potentially become another health emergency,” Kejriwal added.

Child detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection at private hospital in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad; stable: Civic official.

The Indian Council of Medical Research has detected two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Karnataka through routine surveillance for multiple respiratory viral pathogens, the Union health ministry said on Monday.

A three-month-old female infant with a history of bronchopneumonia was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She has already been discharged, the ministry said.

An eight-month-old male infant with a history of bronchopneumonia tested positive for HMPV on January 3 after being admitted to Baptist Hospital. He is now recovering.