Arvind Kejriwal, national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), expressed alarm over the HMPV virus epidemic on Monday and called on the Center to act quickly.
Kejriwal emphasized the significance of learning from the COVID-19 pandemic’s earlier experiences, highlighting the need of early case containment and readiness for any possible escalation into new medical calamity.
“The HMPV virus outbreak demands immediate attention from the Center,” Kejriwal stated in a social media post. It’s critical to control these instances early and be ready to handle what may turn into another medical emergency, based on our experience with COVID.
Through regular monitoring for respiratory viral infections, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported earlier today that two instances of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) had been detected in Karnataka.
According to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, “two youngsters have been discovered to have it. I spoke with the head of the health department, Dinesh Gundurao. He called a departmental meeting. The government will carry out whatever decision it makes. The government will record this illness and take all necessary precautions.
These instances were found as part of ICMR’s continuous efforts to monitor and manage respiratory infections nationwide, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. The respiratory virus known as HMPV is already widespread around the world, including in India. In many nations, it has been linked to respiratory ailments; nevertheless, India has not seen an extraordinary increase in instances.
Despite the identification of these two instances, the ICMR emphasized that the number of cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in the nation has not significantly increased.
A 3-month-old girl who was taken to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru and later confirmed with HMPV is one of the afflicted patients. She was released after treatment for a history of bronchopneumonia.
In the second instance, an 8-month-old boy with a history of bronchopneumonia was admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru and tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025.
This baby is in stable condition and is still recuperating. Since neither baby had ever been outside, it is likely that the instances are domestic in nature and unrelated to epidemics elsewhere.
Using every monitoring avenue at its disposal, the Union Health Ministry is still keeping an eye on the issue. Throughout the year, the ICMR will also monitor trends in HMPV circulation. To help guide public health initiatives, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been regularly updating its members on the situation in China.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George recommended pregnant women and the elderly to wear masks in response to recent allegations of an HMPV epidemic in China, but she also said there is now no need to fear.
In light of the recent reports of a significant viral fever and pneumonia epidemic in China, there are a few things that everyone should be aware of. At this moment, no viruses that may cause a pandemic or swiftly spread to other parts of China have been reported, George added.
She said that we should be “cautious” since there are Malayalis all over the globe and foreigners from China and other countries are visiting our nation.
“Based on the knowledge that is currently available, China’s terrifying respiratory diseases may be caused by three different kinds of viruses. These include influenza A virus infections, some Covid-19 variations, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). None of them have been shown to have genetic mutations that may cause a pandemic. But, as was already said, we must exercise caution,” she said.
According to the health minister, children and the elderly should exercise more caution, as should individuals with other severe diseases and those undergoing palliative care, since infections, including human metapneumovirus, are more likely to impact these groups.
“When unwell, children shouldn’t be sent to school. Masks should be used by those who have respiratory symptoms. Right now, there’s nothing to worry about. We’re keeping an eye on things in China,” she said.
A frequent respiratory virus that causes upper respiratory infections is the human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
