HMPV Not a Cause for Alarm: Present in India for Over 2 Decades Experts Dismiss Pandemic Threat – TheHealthSite

Written by Satata Karmakar |Published : January 5, 2025 5:19 PM IST
HMPV In India: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and has been known for over 2 decades now. Yes, you read that right! The current virus threat sparking fears of another pandemic and potential lockdown is not new to India. According to a recent statement from experts, the country has already experienced an outbreak of this virus in the past and successfully managed to contain it.
As China battles a sudden surge in HMPV cases, Indian health experts have reportedly claimed that the virus has been observed in India on multiple occasions, particularly during the winter season. Speaking to the media, a renowned pediatrician at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr. Suresh Gupta, said “The HMPV is not a new virus and has been known for over 2 decades now. The virus is typically observed during the winter season and behaves similarly to influenza or a common viral fever.” He further added, “Most cases present with symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever, which are self-limiting and manageable with general medicine at home. Children rarely require hospitalization, as the infection is generally mild.”

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that mainly targets the lower and upper respiratory parts of the body after evading the immune system. After the incubation period, the virus can lead to infections inside the lungs, triggering pneumonia-like symptoms.

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HMPV is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and the flu. HMPV is not a newly discovered virus. It was first discovered in 2001, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
Known for causing respiratory illnesses, the HMPV can trigger some serious symptoms such as:
Addressing the media, top health officials said, “So far, the cases we have seen here have been mild. The strain of this virus detected in India is generally considered mild. It primarily presents symptoms of mild viral fever.”

Taking cognizance of the situation, and a sudden spike in the HMPV cases in China, the Health Ministry said that India is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and has also requested the WHO to share timely updates.
In order to prevent the virus from spreading, the officials have taken certain measures — India has set up laboratories for testing HMPV cases (this count has been e increased to tackle an outbreak). Also, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that they will track HMPV trends throughout the year in order to avert any unusual surge in HMPV cases. A meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG), chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services, took place on Saturday to discuss the matter.
In Telangana, the state government has also issued a list of do’s and don’ts that include — washing hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizer, avoiding crowded places, and keeping a safe distance among other precautions.

In Kerala, Health Minister Veena George said the state government is closely monitoring the news reports about the massive outbreak of viral fever and respiratory infection in China and said there is no need to panic as of now.
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