HMPV virus cases: ‘No need to panic’, reiterate state health officials

HMPV virus cases: The Centre reviewed the status of respiratory illness outbreaks in the country on Tuesday after reported isolated cases of HMPV infections. The meeting assessed public health measures to manage potential disease outbreaks and advised states to strengthen awareness of preventive measures. Five Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases were reported from different parts of India on Monday. The Centre and health experts urged people not to panic and said the virus is neither a new pathogen nor causing a widespread disease outbreak....Read More
Several states issued guidelines to increase their health departments' preparedness for disease outbreaks. Odisha began testing at several places on Tuesday following a standard advisory from the Centre. The Uttar Pradesh government will hold a high-level meeting to discuss the state's disease preparedness.
Latest update on five reported HMPV cases-
-Two people were suspected to be infected by the virus in Nagpur. Their medical records were sent to AIIMS Nagpur for medical examination.
-Two cases from Tamil Nadu, one in Chennai and one in Salem, are reportedly stable and continue to be clinically monitored. The state government assured of no significant surge in common respiratory viral pathogens.
-A senior doctor said a two-month-old infant from Rajasthan, admitted in Ahmedabad, is doing “all right” after medical attention. Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel also assured the public that there is “no need to panic”.
-A three-month-old female infant, admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, was discharged. Another eight-month-old infant is recovering from the infection. Both had a history of bronchopneumonia but had no recent history of international travel.
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 scientists first identified it 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.
HMPV virus cases live: Isolation wards created in three Gujarat cities
Isolation wards have been created in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Rajkot civil hospitals as a precautionary measure after Gujarat registered its first case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) -- a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms, officials said on Tuesday.
HMPV virus cases live: No cases reported in Haryana, advisory issued to civil surgeon
Haryana health minister Arti Singh Rao on Tuesday said that an advisory has been issued to the state’s civil surgeons, asking them to keep vigil in their respective areas over respiratory illnesses including HMPV.
She also said that there is no report of any HMPV cases in the state. Rao asserted that the health department is fully alert and prepared to deal with any situation.
HMPV virus cases live: UP CM Adityanath asks official to ensure proper healthcare arrangements
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday directed officials to ensure proper health care facility arrangements across the state to protect the public’s health amid the ongoing cold wave.
At a high-level meeting, the CM pressed on the need for special precautions to protect the vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children.
HMPV virus cases live: Patna asks people to follow guidelines
Patna administration assured people on Tuesday that there is no need to panic over HMPV. However, it urged people to adhere to the guidelines issued by the Centre and the Bihar government.
A statement issued by the Patna district administration said, "People should follow the health advisory issued by the authorities concerned to prevent HMPV disease. District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh also directed the district civil surgeon to ensure better functioning of hospitals for proper treatment of patients suffering from respiratory diseases, including seasonal influenza and HMPV."
"The DM has categorically said that there is no need for people to panic. All preparations have been made by the district administration as per the standards," it added.
HMPV virus cases live: Himachal health minister says this is a ‘common virus’
Himachal Pradesh health minister Dhani Ram Shandil on Tuesday said that HMPV is a common virus, adding that there is no need to panic over its cases.
He said that it should be treated as a regular viral.
HMPV virus cases live: Nothing to worry but still taking all precautions, Pune collector
Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi told ANI, “We have received a basic SOP from the Health Department. Tomorrow morning, I am going to take a detailed meeting with all the Health Department officials and other Revenue officials. We are going to pass on the SOP to the entire administrative machinery.”
“Our focus is that people should have information about the virus and the necessary SOP that we have been given should be put in place as fast as possible. So that whatever medication is required, whatever health arrangement is required is in place if and when any comes. However, the primary information is that, as of now there is nothing to be worried about. Still, we are going to take all necessary precautions. All necessary medications and SOPs should be in place so that our health team is ready, if and when any cases arise in Pune,” he added.
HMPV virus cases live: Completely ready for current situation, says Union minister
Union minister Prataprao Jadhav told ANI, “We are directed by PM Narendra Modi and Health Minister JP Nadda to provide better healthcare facilities to the people. We are completely ready for the current situation (HMPV virus). Our health department is ready. There is nothing to be afraid of. The people just have to be cautious. Till now, no casualty has been reported in this matter (HMPV)."
HMPV virus cases live: IMA Kochi spokesperson says ‘very rare to have serious problem with this’
IMA Kochi spokesperson, Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, said that there is a lot of anxiety among the public about HMPV.
“It is a common respiratory virus which most children get by the age of 3 or 4. It's very rare to have a serious problem with this. Most children would have had at least one bout of this infection in their childhood, including all of us...This is not COVID. This is not a killer virus. It has been around for many years in all countries, including ours,” he told ANI.
HMPV virus cases live: Expert explains transmission via ‘coughing’
Dr Gopi Chand Khilnani, chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, explained that the HMPV virus is transmitted “basically by respiration, ‘coughing’”.
“So at room temperature, it will survive for six hours and if the temperature is low like 4 degrees, it will survive for longer...There can also be transmission by fomites which are non-living objects like a table or chair or book or door handle. The patient touches it and the other person touches it and he gets it or by close contact,” the told ANI.
Khilnani noted that those who are susceptible to the virus, likely elderly people and those with respiratory illnesses, should be extra careful.
HMPV virus cases live: Uttarakhand Health DG says ‘no need to panic, be cautious’
Sunita Tamta, director of Uttarakhand Medical Health and Family Welfare, said on Tuesday that the there is no need to panic over the HMPV cases detected in other states.
However, she asked the people to be cautious during this time. “If anyone experiences flu-like symptoms, they should maintain distance, use a handkerchief while coughing, and pay special attention to their diet. If symptoms occur, follow medical advice and take the necessary medication," she said.
HMPV virus cases live: Guj govt also taking action, says state public health official
Dr Nilam Patel, Additional Director of the public health department of Gujarat, told ANI, “HMPV virus is not a new virus, it was detected for the first time in 2001 but the virus mutates many times, so due to mutation its outbreak increases many times. The Gujarat government is also taking action on this.”
“There is no need to panic, there is no such situation. One case was diagnosed yesterday. The patient was a 2-month-old child. He was discharged yesterday evening...So, there is nothing to fear,” he added.
HMPV virus cases live: Jharkhand unaffected, says health minister
Jharkhand health minister Irfan Ansari on Tuesday said the state has been unaffected by the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, adding that there is no need to panic over the detection of such cases in other parts of the nation.
Ansari said that he and other authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Notably, the Centre has said that this situation is not alarming, adding that India is well prepared to handle any respiratory illnesses.
HMPV virus cases live: Odisha govt asks healthcare facilities to remain on alert
The Odisha government on Tuesday asked all the medical facilities and laboratories in the state to remain prepared to tackle in any situation.
Health and Family welfare minister Mukesh Mahaling, after holding a high-level meeting, said that a small number of HMPV cases have been detected in some parts of the country so far. However, no such case has been recorded in Odisha.
He said that hence, there is no need panic.
"I held discussions with authorities of major medical colleges and hospitals across the state through video conferencing and directed them to remain on alert. We are prepared and ready to deal with any unforeseen situation, if it arises," he said.
HMPV virus cases live: Two cases suspected in Nagpur, patients in good health
Two suspected cases of HMPV were detected in Maharashtra’s Nagpur, with both patients in good health and their samples collected by health authorities, a senior official said on Tuesday.
The patients were sent home after treatment, and their samples have been sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the National Institute of Virology in Pune, PTI reported citing the official.
HMPV virus cases live: BJP urges Karnataka govt to not take HMPV lightly
Karnataka BJP on Tuesday urged the Congress-led state government to not underestimate the HMPV as it has created havoc in China, PTI reported.
However, it is notable that the Union health ministry has clearly stated that there is no need panic over the virus as it is common during the cold weather season. Additionally, the Centre has also clarified that India is well prepared to deal with any respiratory illnesses.
HPMV virus cases live: BMC reports n spike in respiratory infections
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday, following Union and state health department guidelines on HMPV, said that it has not detected any cases in Mumbai.
A comparison of respiratory infections between December 2023 and December 2024 shows no significant increase, according to the BMC PRO on Tuesday.
HPMV virus cases live: Lawyer urges Bombay HC to take cognizance of HMPV
A lawyer on Tuesday moved the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench, urging it to take cognizance of the HMPV virus cases and direct the Maharashtra government to take immediate measures for the same.
In his plea, advocate Shreerang Bhandarkar said the high court had in 2020 taken suo motu cognizance of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that a similar action is required now.
The HC is likely to hear the plea on January 10.
HPMV virus cases live: No case in Punjab till now, says state health minister
Punjab health minister Balbir Singh told ANI that no case of HMPV has been recorded in the state till now.
“This is a mild virus which doesn't cause serious illness. It is not like Covid. There is no need to panic. 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.
HPMV virus cases live: This happens in cold, explains RML hospital's doctor
Dr Pinaki R Debnath, Head of the Pediatric surgery department at Delhi's RML hospital explained that the human metapneumovirus is an old virus and that it happens in cold.
He said that the virus is not new, noting that it has erupted right now because of some reasons like cold.
"This is a respiratory RNA virus, it infects the respiratory system...A viral infection spreads more when immunity is lowered or among the extremes of age. Those above 60-65 years of age or those below 5 years of age have a low body immunity. If the body immunity is low, virus spread is more. That is why, it can be seen among children...Its symptoms include respiratory infection - like nasal blockage, runny nose, red eyes, and scratchy throat. If it is severe, there will be pneumonia-like symptoms, when there is respiratory distress," he told news agency ANI.
HMPV virus cases live: Maharashtra medical education minister says 'no need to panic'
Maharashtra Medical education minister Hasan Mushrif, speaking to news agency ANI, that there is no need to panic over the HMPV virus cases.
"Out of the 5 patients, one patient has been discharged. Children and elderly with co-morbid conditions need to stay alert," he added.
HMPV virus cases live: No need to panic over HMPV, says TN Health minister
The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday said there was no need to panic over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), as it was not a new and potent one, and noted the two individuals found infected with HMPV in the state were "doing well."
One of them, who hails from Salem was a 69 year-old person suffering from cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes while the other, from here, was aged about 45 years, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma Subramanian told a press conference here.
"Both of them are doing well. There is no need for panic over HMPV and the Centre has also stressed this," he said. (PTI)
HMPV virus cases live: Recent cases are part of seasonal surge, says Tamil Nadu health secretary
“It's a routine kind of case which is coming, so there is no need to worry and there is no need to panic at this point... WHO or the ministry have not issued any kind of an advisory because it's not needed. The only thing that we are telling is that we need to be vigilant. Those who have severe lung infections need to kind of get the treatment. These are the people who should immediately access, but it's a viral infection which comes with common symptoms like cold and cough, etc. which should be treated normally,” said Health Secretary Supriya Sahu.
HMPV virus cases live: ‘Infection can go away in a matter of days’, says physician
“Usually, it will go away in a matter of three to five days. First two days will be severe but after two days your immune system will take over…Must note, during this time, you have to be careful not to cough on someone else’s face, you need to put your elbow on. Please don’t use your hands because you will be touching things that will help spread the virus. People need to eat at least two fruits in a day, drink three litres of water and reduce physical and mental stress,” said Bengaluru-based physician Dr Ramana Rao.
HMPV virus cases live: What are HMPV virus symptoms?
Dr. Sandeep Budhiraja said, “These types of viruses cause similar type of diseases like body ache, fever, headache, stuffy or blocked nose, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, throat pain, throat congestion. In most cases, the illnesses are the upper respiratory illnesses but in some cases the disease can become more severe and involve lungs.” HMPV can also lead to wheezing, bronchitis and pneumonia, in the worst cases.
HMPV virus cases live: Two suspected cases identified in Nagpur
Two suspected HMPV-positive cases have been identified in Maharashtra's Nagpur. The patients are 13 and 7 years old, respectively.
Shashikant Shambharkar, Deputy Director of Health, said that the records of both of these suspected patients are being sent to AIIMS Nagpur for examination.
HMPV virus cases live: Odisha begins testing at various places
“HMPV was there in India, the only point is that they were not reported to the authorities. These cases are not new cases. Testing has started at various places in Odisha. AIIMS was already testing. We will be testing at new centres. GoI has not issued a specific advisory except for general precautions, that is a standard advisory. Don't panic and be careful,” said Director of Public Health Dr Nilkantha Mishra in Odisha.
HMPV virus cases live: UP govt to hold high-level meet on HMPV today
Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak said the state government remains “completely alert” to manage any potential outbreak of viral diseases. “We also have a high-level meeting today. There is no reason to panic. The government is ready for any kind of a situation,” he said.
HMPV virus cases live: Centre reviews public health measures, states advised to strengthen awareness
Union health secretary reviewed the status of respiratory illness in the country and took stock of the public health measures to manage potential disease outbreak.
HMPV cases live: Uttarakhand issues guidelines to control respiratory diseases
Uttarakhand's Directorate of Medical Health and Family Welfare issued an advisory on Monday to prevent and manage respiratory illnesses, including seasonal influenza and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
The advisory highlighted the importance of precautionary measures, readiness in healthcare facilities, and raising public awareness to mitigate the heightened transmission risk during the winter months.
HMPV cases live: Doctor lists groups vulnerable to HMPV infection
“This virus affects mostly children, especially those below three years old, and next comes immune comprised people that is, who are suffering from a disease and are taking medicines. To prevent this, we need to use masks and maintain distance. If you get symptoms, it’s important to isolate yourself. The situation is not the same as COVID pandemic but we need to be prepared,” said Chief Patron of the Faima Doctors Association Dr Rohan Krishnan.
HMPV cases live: ‘No established fact of rampant disease’, says Rajasthan health minister
Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar reassured people of the state on the spread of HMPV virus after two positive cases were reported in the state.
“As of now, we don't have any established fact that this is rampant. The central govt also held a series of meetings regarding this. We have directed all the private hospitals as well to alert us in case of any suspected case,” he said.
HMPV cases live: What are HMPV virus symptoms?
Infections typically present with mild symptoms, including -Cough, runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat and fever.
HMPV can lead to more severe illness, characterized by - wheezing, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, pneumonia and an aggravation of asthma in adults.