Amid the rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, the Centre on Tuesday asked the States to review surveillance on respiratory illnesses in the country.
New Delhi: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has become a topic of significant attention in India recently. As cases of the virus surged in China, concerns spread in India, with some drawing comparisons to the deadly Covid-19 pandemic. In response, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public, clarifying that HMPV is not a new virus.
“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 added.
Furthermore, he 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.
HMPV Virus in India: HMPV cases rising in India, 30% cases recorded in…., know how many cases are in which state
Amid the rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, the Centre on Tuesday asked the States to review surveillance on respiratory illnesses in the country. The country has reported so far eight cases of HMPV: Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), Tamil Nadu (2), and Maharashtra’s Nagpur (2). All the cases were detected in young children ranging from 3 months old to 13 years old.
A six-month-old girl in Mumbai became the eighth reported case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India and the third in Maharashtra. The infant was admitted to the hospital on January 1, showing symptoms of severe cough, chest tightness, and a drop in oxygen levels to 84%.
Several states, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar, have advised people not to panic. Meanwhile, Mizoram has established a committee to monitor the spread of HMPV.
Know how many cases are in which state
- Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu has reported two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), one each in Chennai and Salem, said the Additional Chief Secretary of the state’s Department of Health and Family Welfare on Monday, ANI reported.
- Gujarat: The HMPV was detected in a 2-month-old child who came from Rajasthan’s Dungarpur to Sarwar and was later referred to Ahmedabad.
- Maharashtra: In Nagpur, two suspected HMPV patients have been identified. These patients are 13 and 7 years old, respectively.
Bihar govt issues advisory, suggests precautions
The Bihar government has taken precautionary measures to address the potential spread of the virus after over five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in the country. According to the news agency IANS report, Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey has directed authorities to ensure preparedness, issuing guidelines and setting up measures across health institutions in the state.
The Bihar Health Department has instructed hospitals to establish flu desks and prepare for RT-PCR testing to detect the virus. Additional guidelines have been issued for the monitoring and management of HMPV, a respiratory infection with symptoms similar to Covid-19.
Pandey also directed authorities to regularly monitor patients and daily report of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and severe respiratory infections. He stated, “We have asked officials to deploy training health workers in prevention and management of HMPV, strict implementation of infection control procedures at all health institutions, ensuring the availability of critical resources like ventilators, oxygen, Covid-19 medicines, and testing kits to mitigate risks.”
Odisha Health Minister assures readiness against HMPV virus
Earlier on Tuesday, Odisha Health & Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling appealed to the people not to panic over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus. He assured that the state government is fully ready to tackle the situation. “I discussed through virtual mode with the secretary of the state health department, Director of health, authorities from the major hospitals over the situation in Odisha regarding the HMPV virus. I want to urge the people on behalf of the state government not to panic as the virus hasn’t affected much of India and the reporting of positive cases in Odisha is also zero. The health department of the Odisha government is fully ready. The health department will follow all the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in this regard,” said Mahaling on Tuesday.
Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh on Tuesday said that there is no case of HMPV virus in the state of Punjab so far. He further stated that there is no need to panic, as it is not serious like Covid, and assured that the medical infrastructure is available to combat any surge.
“Our hospitals, beds, and emergency equipment are ready. Covid was a new virus; this is an old virus. Those having cough and cold should wear masks,” he said. Sunita Tamta, Director of Uttarakhand Medical Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday emphasized the importance of following health precautions and staying vigilant for high-risk groups like children and the elderly amid recent cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country. HMPV is a virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses.
(With Inputs from Agencies)
