HMPV in India: Total cases rise to 7; Centre urges states to heighten surveillance

Health officials assured the public that India has adequate diagnostic facilities through ICMR's VRDL laboratories.

The Union Health Ministry has called on all states to enhance surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) following reports of rising Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, on Monday, chaired a virtual meeting with state and union territory officials to discuss the rise in HMPV cases and public health measures.

Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research (DHR), Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), and experts from various health agencies, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), attended the meeting.

The meeting was convened in light of rising HMPV cases in China and confirmed cases in India, which have yet to show an unusual increase in respiratory illnesses across the country, as confirmed by IDSP and ICMR data.

Srivastava stated that HMPV, which has been circulating globally since 2001, does not pose a new threat. The virus typically causes mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose and is usually self-limiting. Most patients recover without the need for medical intervention. While HMPV is most common in winter and early spring, it does not represent an immediate risk to public health, and surveillance is in place to monitor any potential surges.

The Health Ministry has urged states to step up their Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts to raise awareness about preventive measures. Key recommendations include frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Srivastava reiterated that respiratory illnesses generally increase during winter, and India is well-prepared for any potential surge in cases. The government has strengthened surveillance measures and is closely monitoring trends to ensure prompt action in case of an outbreak.

HMPV Cases in India as of Jan 7

As of January 7, India has confirmed seven cases of HMPV, with recent diagnoses in Nagpur, Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu, and Ahmedabad. Despite this, Health Minister JP Nadda, on Monday, reassured the public that there is no reason to panic. He noted that the Ministry is actively monitoring the situation, and the country's diagnostic infrastructure, including ICMR’s VRDL laboratories, is well-equipped to handle the cases.

With adequate diagnostic facilities in place and ongoing surveillance, the Health Ministry has assured the public that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding HMPV or other respiratory illnesses.