The Indian government has urged states to intensify surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), following the detection of seven human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country.
The Health Ministry has also emphasized raising public awareness while reassuring citizens that there is “no need to panic,” according to a PTI report on Tuesday.
Amid growing concerns, two new HMPV cases were reported from Nagpur, Maharashtra, adding to the tally that now stands at seven. Earlier, two cases were identified in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and another in Gujarat, where a patient tested positive after being hospitalized.
This development comes as HMPV continues to cause a significant outbreak in China and other countries, with reports of rising viral fever and pneumonia cases, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Indian health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising precautionary measures to curb the virus’s spread.
As the outbreak of HMPV grips northern China, experts are urging the nation to share timely infection data to help curb its spread.
Malaysia and Kazakhstan have also reported cases, prompting heightened surveillance and health precautions.
HMPV in China: what we know so far
HMPV, first identified in the Netherlands in 2001, is a respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms like cough, fever, and nasal congestion.
However, it can lead to severe complications in young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Hospitals in northern China have seen an influx of patients, with images of crowded waiting rooms and mask-wearing individuals circulating widely on social media.
Many have drawn parallels between the current situation and the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Infectious disease experts emphasize that HMPV is not a novel virus, unlike Covid-19, and is unlikely to cause a pandemic.
Why is HMPV surging in 2025?
HMPV cases are peaking in northern China due to the virus’s seasonal nature. It thrives in cold weather, which facilitates its transmission as people spend more time indoors.
Low temperatures, expected to persist until March, have created ideal conditions for the virus to spread.
Epidemiologist Jacqueline Stephens from Flinders University noted that the current increase mirrors typical seasonal trends observed in winter across the northern hemisphere, including the US and UK.
Despite this, the spike in China has drawn attention due to its scale and impact on healthcare systems.
Experts like Dr. Sanjaya Senanayake of the Australian National University stress the importance of China sharing detailed infection data with the global community to enhance collective efforts against the virus.
How does HMPV compare to Covid-19?
Although HMPV is gaining attention, it differs significantly from Covid-19.
It is not a novel pathogen, and most people have some level of immunity due to prior exposure.
This makes fears of a global pandemic unwarranted, according to experts. Paul Hunter, a medical professor at the University of East Anglia, stated that there are no signs of HMPV becoming a more serious global issue.
HMPV precautionary measures
Experts recommend standard precautions, including wearing masks in crowded spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding large gatherings, particularly for high-risk individuals.
Vaccination against the flu can also provide additional protection against respiratory illnesses.
As HMPV continues to spread, global collaboration and proactive measures will be key to managing its impact.
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