Highlights | HMPV Cases In India: Fresh Cases Detected In Chennai, Kolkata

HMPV in India Highlights: The remarks from the Union Minister come as India reports a total of eight cases of HMPV so far. Out of the total cases reported, two were reported in Bengaluru, one in Gujarat, two in Chennai, and three in Kolkata.

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HMPV Virus Cases in India Highlights: Out of the total 8 cases reported so far, two were reported in Bengaluru, one in Gujarat, two in Chennai, and three in Kolkata. Two infants in Karnataka and one in Gujarat, along with two children in Tamil Nadu, have tested positive for HMPV, health officials said on Monday.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda said, "Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months. On recent reports, the cases of HMPV in China, the Health Ministry, the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries."

On HMPV cases, Public Health Director Dr Nilakantha Mishra said, " No specific guideline has been issued by Govt of India but they have issued a press release and we are geared up to tackle any situation...heightened surveillance is the most important thing. This is a moderately transmissible virus not highly transmissible."

On HMPV cases reported, Chief Patron of FAIMA Dr Rohan Krishnan said, "... HMPV belongs to pneumoviridae family of RNA viruses, which also includes the influenza and COVID viruses. It causes acute respiratory illness and was first identified in the Netherlands in 2000... HMPV spreads through droplet infections, meaning it transmits from person to person via respiratory droplets... Prevention measures are similar to those for influenza and COVID, including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and isolating if symptoms like fever or a cold appear... While HMPV is less virulent than COVID, these precautions significantly reduce the risk of transmission..."

Extensive preparations are underway for the successful organisation of Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, with the health department taking proactive steps to address potential health challenges, including the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

06 January 2025

06 January 2025 21:23 IST

HMPV Cases in India Live: UP Administration To Make Arrangements To Tackle Health Challenges Ahead Of Mahakumbh 2025

Extensive preparations are underway for the successful organisation of Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, with the health department taking proactive steps to address potential health challenges, including the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Upper Mela Officer Vivek Chaturvedi highlighted that all necessary health management measures have been implemented. He noted that regular communication and workshops are being conducted for doctors and consultants to ensure they are well-prepared. Strict adherence to guidelines issued by the Government of India and the Uttar Pradesh government is also being ensured to safeguard public health.

Held every 12 years, Maha Kumbh is expected to draw an enormous crowd of nearly 45 crore devotees from January 13 to February 26.

To ensure the safety and comfort of attendees, the district administration has been taking robust measures. Earlier, the Peshwai procession of the Ananda Akhada marked a grand entry into the Maha Kumbh Mela premises.

The 'Sobha Yatra,' which began at the Anand Akhada premises near Baghambari Math, featured thousands of saints and sadhus riding elephants, horses, and chariots, accompanied by the sound of drums and trumpets, adding a vibrant start to the festivities.

06 January 2025 20:35 IST

HMPV in India Live: BMC Says, 'No Patient Infected With HMPV In Mumbai'

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Monday said that no Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) case has been reported in Mumbai and urged the citizens to take precautions.

"Various news has been published in the media regarding the ongoing outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in China. The Directorate of Health Services, Pune has issued a guideline in this regard on January 3, 2025. Information about what to do and what not to do has been given through the guidelines. The information is being given through the Public Health Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation that no such patient infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been found in Mumbai city and suburbs. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administration is also appealing to citizens to follow the guidelines," the BMC stated.

"It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in winter and early summer, like RSV and flu. The virus was first detected in the Netherlands in the year 2001. There is no cause for concern regarding the report of Human Metapneumovirus virus detected in China. Necessary precautions are being taken in this regard and there is no need to create an atmosphere of unnecessary panic," the BMC stated.