HMPV outbreak: Not a new virus, identified in 2001, says Union Health Minister

After three 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 reported news agency ANIThe Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR confirmed two cases of HMPV in Karnatakas Bengaluru and another case was reported in Gujarats Ahmedabad These cases were detected as part of ongoing surveillance efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses across the countryNadda reassured the public that health systems and surveillance networks are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any health challengesIn a video statement the Health Minister said that there is no reason to worry and that the government is closely monitoring the situation reported ANIHealth 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 Nadda said reported ANIHe also mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the situation with the ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control NCDC keeping track of developments and ensuring the countrys preparedness to handle any emerging health challengesThe World Health Organization 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 reported ANIThe 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 he addedIn Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundurao emphasised that the HMPV cases are mild and similar to influenzalike illnesses reported ANISpeaking to the media he said the HMPV cases detected in Bengaluru are not connected to the HMPV cases in China adding that there is no serious situation emerging from the virusKarnataka government officials said that the HMPV cases in Bengaluru are mild with no further testing required at this stageThere is nothing to worry about People need not panic these are mild cases Among both the children who were detected with HMPV one has been discharged and the other is also doing well It is a mild form of the common cold The government is closely monitoring this Our state medical education and health department have issued advisories No testing is required as of now State Minister for Medical Education Dr Sharan Prakash said reported ANIBJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said that this new virus is causing some concern among the peopleThe Government of India has given a lot of clarifications regarding it The state government should take precautions such as providing masks gloves and sanitation for health workers he said reported ANIIn Gujarat a twomonthold infant from Rajasthan tested positive for HMPV in AhmedabadGujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel reassured the public saying there is no need to panic and that the state government is following precautionary measures similar to those used during the COVID19 pandemic reported ANIThis HMPV has been detected in a 2monthold child who came from Rajasthans Dungarpur to Sarwar The child has been referred from Sarwar to Ahmedabad We are following the dos and donts that were used during COVID and SOPs will be issued by the state government Minister Patel said in a statementThe twomonthold child has been shifted to Ahmedabad Civil HospitalLater doctors at the hospital said that the child who had been admitted on December 24 with cold cough flulike symptoms along with mild breathing difficulty was treated including in the ICUAs of now the child is absolutely alright and ready for discharge The child was found HMPV positive in our report This is not a COVIDlike virus said Dr Nirav Patel a doctor at the hospital reported ANIMeanwhile the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC confirmed that no HMPV cases have been reported in Mumbai urging citizens to take necessary precautionsHMPV is a respiratory virus that has been associated with respiratory illnesses However there has been no unusual surge in cases in IndiaWith inputs from ANI