Two Suspected HMPV Cases Identified In Nagpur; Health Officials Reassure Public

Two suspected cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been identified in Nagpur, involving a 13-year-old and a 7-year-old.

Shashikant Shambharkar, Deputy Director of Health, confirmed the cases, stating, “Two suspected HMPV patients have been found in Nagpur. One of these patients is 7 years old and the other is 13 years old.”

“The reports of both these patients have come back positive in a private hospital. Both these patients have been treated and discharged. The reports of both these suspected patients are being sent to AIIMS Nagpur for examination,” he further added.

India has so far detected three confirmed cases of HMPV. Two cases were reported in Bengaluru, Karnataka, while another was identified in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

These cases were uncovered through ongoing nationwide surveillance for respiratory illnesses, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

No Need For Alarm: JP Nadda Addresses Concerns Following HMPV Cases

Union Health Minister JP Nadda addressed public concerns on Monday after three cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India. He assured citizens there is no need for alarm, noting that the virus, identified in 2001, does not pose a new threat.

Additionally, Nadda emphasized that India’s health systems and surveillance networks are fully prepared to handle such challenges.

In a video statement, he reiterated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and urged calm.

Nadda asserted, “Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001. HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months.”

He added that the government is closely monitoring the situation, with the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) maintaining vigilance.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken cognizance of the situation and will share its report with us shortly. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has also been reviewed, and no surge in any common respiratory viral pathogens has been observed in India. A joint monitoring group meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Director General for Health Services on January 4 to review the situation,” Nadda said.

He further noted, “The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation.”

HMPV is a respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illnesses. Experts have highlighted that the situation in India remains stable, with no significant rise in infections reported.

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