Two cases of HMPV reported in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: The Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu’s Department of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday that the state has recorded two human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, one in Chennai and one in Salem.

The Chief Secretary further said that the current state of both impacted persons is stable.

“Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus; it is an already circulating virus that was first identified in 2001,” the Tamil Nadu government’s DIPR news statement states. HMPV infections go away on their own with symptomatic treatment, which includes rest and proper hydration. HMPV is treated with supportive and symptomatic measures. There are now two documented instances of human metapneumovirus, one in Salem and one in Chennai. They are under observation and are steady.

According to the statement, Tamil Nadu has not seen a notable increase in the prevalence of common respiratory viral infections. Under the direction of the Union Health Secretary, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, held a video conference with all State Health authorities on January 6, 2025.

This conference, which was chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Health, also included top health authorities from Tamil Nadu. The Indian government made it clear that there is no need to fear, as the HMPV virus is still stable.

Like any other respiratory illness, HMPV may be prevented by wearing masks in crowded areas, cleaning your hands, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and going to the hospital if necessary.

The general public is reassured that HMPV is usually controllable and self-limiting. Panic is not necessary. According to the announcement, the Tamil Nadu government is still dedicated to keeping a careful eye on cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) and influenza-like illnesses (ILI).

Three human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections have previously been identified in India. Two of the instances were found in Bengaluru, Karnataka, while one was reported in Gujarat.

There is no need for concern, Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed the public Monday after the announcement of three Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India. He underlined that there is no new danger from the virus, which was discovered in 2001.

Two HMPV instances were verified by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, while another case was reported in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. As part of continuous monitoring efforts to track respiratory diseases nationwide, these instances were found.

Nadda told the populace that monitoring networks and health institutions are alert and prepared to act quickly in the event of a health emergency.

The health minister said in a video message that the administration is keeping a careful eye on the issue and that there is no cause for concern.

According to medical professionals, HMPV is not a novel virus. It was discovered for the first time in 2001. People of all ages may be impacted by HMPV, which spreads via the atmosphere. Winter and early spring are when the virus spreads the most, according to Nadda.

He said that the government is keeping a careful eye on the situation, with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the ICMR keeping tabs on changes and making sure the nation is ready to tackle any new health issues.

“The problem has been acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO), which will provide us with its report soon. No increase in any common respiratory viral infections has been noted in India, according to a study of the national data for respiratory viruses provided by the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program and ICMR. On January 4, the Director General for Health Services chaired a joint monitoring group meeting to assess the situation, according to Nadda.

“The nation’s monitoring networks and health systems are always on guard, making sure the nation is prepared to react quickly to any new health issues. There’s nothing to be concerned about. We’re keeping a careful eye on everything,” he said.

Experts claim that the discovery of HMPV cases may have sparked some anxiety in the financial markets, since the Sensex and Nifty saw drops. Due to global influences, the BSE Sensex lost more than 1,258 points while the Nifty 50 closed the day down more than 388 points.

Respiratory diseases have been linked to the respiratory virus HMPV. In India, there hasn’t been an odd increase in instances, however.