HMPV cases in India highlights: Health Secretary urges states to raise public awareness on HMPV

HMPV Cases in India updates: Catch all the major news updates on human metapneumovirus cases here

HMPV cases latest updates: The health ministry has urged states to increase surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), after reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China. This development followed a meeting held by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava on Monday to look into the current status of  Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases.    Two children, ages seven and 14, were diagnosed with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Nagpur, bringing  the total number of cases of the respiratory illness to seven.  The two cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) reported in Tamil Nadu were stable and are being monitored, the state health department said on Monday.The release said two cases of HMPV, one from Chennai and another from Salem, were reported and that their condition was stable. They were being monitored.

 

Earlier, it was said that both cases were from the city. However, the health department later clarified that while one case was reported from the city, the other was from Salem. These two are the first cases to be reported in the state.

 

The pathogen induces respiratory infections leading to symptoms resembling the common cold. Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, physical contact, and potentially through airborne transmission. According to the Union health ministry, the virus has existing global circulation, including within India. Current surveillance data from both ICMR and IDSP networks indicates no unusual increases in  influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) cases in the country.   

 

The Centre had previously stated last week that it was closely tracking the situation following increased respiratory illnesses in China, while stressing that there was no reason for alarm since the virus is not new to India. During a health ministry meeting to assess the situation, a joint monitoring group suggested expanding the number of ICMR network laboratories testing for hMPV to enable better year-round trend monitoring.

5:13 PM

HMPV cases in India: Which age group is most affected? Check complete guide

In India, HMPV accounts for around 3 per cent of respiratory infections, with 10-12 per cent of respiratory illnesses in children attributed to it. Read here for more details.

 

 

5:11 PM

No need to panic as J'khand still unaffected by HMPV infection: Health Minister

Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari on Tuesday said the state has been unaffected by the human metapneumovirus infection, and there is no need to panic over the detection of such cases in other parts of the country. Ansari said he is closely monitoring the situation.

3:35 PM

All need to take precautions: Karnataka home minister on HMPV cases

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara addressed concerns over the HMPV virus, stating that health experts have assured that the virus is not dangerous. Speaking to the media, Parameshwara said, "The doctors and the specialists are saying that this is not a dangerous one but precautions have already been instructed by the health department. We all need to take those precautions."

3:33 PM

HMPV symptoms, precautions, treatment: All your questions answered

HMPV is a well-known respiratory pathogen, that typically causes mild symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It predominantly affects children under the age of five, with most individuals experiencing at least one infection by this age. Read here for more details.

1:51 PM

No need to panic over HMPV, says TN Health minister

Tamil Nadu government said there was no need to panic over the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), as it was not a new and potent one, and said 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.

1:47 PM

HMPV cases update: No rise in influenza-like cases or hospitalisations at PGIMER, Chandigarh

At the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, healthcare professionals have clarified that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has not led to an increase in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) or hospital admissions. Medical experts at PGIMER provided reassurance that their facility has not experienced any concerning rise in case numbers.

1:08 PM

Centre urges states raise public awareness on HMPV

The central government has instructed states to strengthen information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns to educate the public about HMPV transmission prevention, following the detection of HMPV cases in India. Read here for more updates.

12:35 PM

HMPV cases updates: Uttar Pradesh govt to hold crucial meeting on HMPV today

The state government is “completely alert” to manage any potential outbreak of viral diseases, Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak stated today.  "There is no reason to panic. The government is ready for any kind of a situation,” Pathak said.

12:17 PM

Health experts have assured that HMPV is not dangerous: Karnataka home minister

"The doctors and the specialists are saying that this is not a dangerous one but precautions have already been instructed by the health department. We all need to take those precautions," Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated.

11:24 AM

HMPV cases in India: Central government urges states to increase surveillance as cases rise

States were advised by the central government to strengthen public awareness through information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives, following reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China. Read here for more details.

11:22 AM

No need to panic, state government prepared to tackle any solution, says Odisha health official

"There is no need to panic as the Centre has not issued any advisory so far. Still, we are prepared to tackle the situation at any point of time,” state public health director Nilakantha Mishra said.

10:59 AM

News update: Health ministry asks states to strengthen awareness, review testing

Strengthen awareness regarding preventive measures, says health ministry to states.

10:26 AM

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

Common symptoms of HMPV include:

-Cough

-Fever

-Runny or congested nose

-Sore throat

-Wheezing

-Shortness of breath

-Rash

10:16 AM

HMPV news update: Two children detected with HMPV in Nagpur, first in Maharashtra

The children were brought to a private healthcare facility in Ramdaspeth district on January 3, with fever and cough symptoms. Following diagnostic testing, medical staff confirmed HMPV infection in both patients.

10:10 AM

HMPV not a new virus, identified in 2001, says Health Minister Nadda as 5 cases reported in India

After 5 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda reassured the public on Monday, saying that there is no cause for alarm. He emphasized that the virus, first identified in 2001, poses no new threat. In a video statement, the Health Minister said that there is no reason to worry and that the government is closely monitoring the situation.