HMPV Cases Rise to Five in India: JP Nadda Reassures Public Amid Vigilant Monitoring

HMPV Cases Rise to Five in India: India has confirmed five cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with two recent cases detected in Chennai. Union Health Minister JP Nadda has assured the public that there is no cause for alarm as health authorities remain vigilant. The cases were identified on January 6, with two reported in Karnataka through routine surveillance by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), two in Chennai, and one in Ahmedabad.

In Chennai, two children have tested positive for HMPV. They are currently under close medical observation and receiving treatment. Officials have stressed that the situation is being monitored closely.

The Indian government, including the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), are urgently reviewing surveillance data amid rising cases in China and neighboring countries. Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized that India’s healthcare system is equipped to handle emerging challenges. He clarified that HMPV is not a new virus; it was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating globally for years.

#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

On January 4, a joint monitoring group met to evaluate the health landscape. Nadda stated that though HMPV causes symptoms that resemble COVID-19, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath, there is no cause for panic. He further added that the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets and that it primarily occurs in individuals during winter and early spring.

The Health Ministry has reassured that there is no indication of a rise in the routine viral infection rate in India. HMPV does not have a specific vaccine or antiviral management. Supportive care, such as hydration and treatment of symptoms, is effective. Nadda has urged the public to remain updated, practice good hygiene, and observe respiratory etiquette to avoid contracting the virus. The health department is keeping a close eye on the situation within the country and around the world.