"No Reason to Worry," Says India After Reporting 7 HMPV Cases: Key Highlights

New Delhi: India has confirmed seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that recently came under global scrutiny following an outbreak in China. However, the Indian government has assured the public that there is no need for alarm, as the virus is not new and has been circulating globally for years.

Below are the top developments regarding HMPV in India:

1. New Cases Reported in Maharashtra
   Two fresh HMPV cases were identified in Nagpur, Maharashtra, according to a private laboratory's findings. The patients have been discharged after recovery. The samples are now being analyzed at AIIMS Virology for further insights.

2. Karnataka Records Initial Cases
   The first reported cases in India emerged in Bengaluru. Among the affected were a three-month-old infant, who has since been discharged, and an eight-month-old baby who is currently recovering in a hospital.

3. Ahmedabad Confirms an Infant Case
   A two-month-old baby in Ahmedabad was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted on December 24 with cold, cough, and breathing issues. The child has fully recovered and is ready for discharge, according to Dr. Nirav Patel from Orange Children Hospital.

4. Tamil Nadu Joins the List
   Tamil Nadu reported two cases, one each in Chennai and Salem, on Monday. Health officials confirmed that no deaths linked to HMPV have been recorded in India.

5. ICMR's Assurance on National Preparedness
   The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) emphasized that HMPV is not showing unusual activity in India. There has been no surge in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. ICMR reiterated that India is equipped to manage any rise in respiratory infections.

6. No Travel History in Initial Cases
   The affected families in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad reported no recent travel, ruling out exposure from international sources. Authorities are investigating possible local transmission patterns.

7. Union Health Ministry’s Perspective
   Union Health Minister JP Nadda clarified that HMPV, first identified in 2001, is not a novel virus. He explained that it typically spreads via air or contaminated surfaces, with higher transmission rates during winter and early spring.

8. Expert Reassurance
   Former WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan termed HMPV a "known virus" with mostly mild symptoms. She advised standard precautions, such as wearing masks, hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, and seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen.

9. Global Context
   The virus gained international attention after an outbreak in China, with reports showing people wearing masks in crowded hospitals. Chinese health authorities described the situation as a routine winter peak in respiratory illnesses.

10. CDC Insights on HMPV
    According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV can affect individuals of all ages, particularly children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

Stay Vigilant but Calm
Indian health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Experts urge citizens to maintain good hygiene and stay informed while avoiding unnecessary panic.