59 cases of HMPV, 2 deaths due to co-morbidities reported from January 6-29: Govt

New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – India has reported 59 cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) and two deaths due to co-morbidities between January 6 and 29, according to data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav shared the information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Cases Reported Across Multiple States​

The 59 reported cases of HMPV were detected in several states, including:

• Tamil Nadu – 17 cases
• Gujarat – 11 cases
• Puducherry – 9 cases

Impact of HMPV on Vulnerable Populations​

HMPV primarily affects young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, leading to respiratory illnesses that range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe pneumonia. Despite the reported cases, Minister Jadhav emphasized that there has been no unusual rise in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) across the country.

Government Measures to Monitor and Control HMPV​

To contain the spread of HMPV, the Union Ministry of Health has implemented various monitoring and awareness initiatives, including:

• Public Health Emergency Operation Centre (PHEOC) at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been activated since January 6, 2025, for continuous surveillance.
• Daily Situational Reports (SitRep) are shared with concerned stakeholders.
• States and Union Territories have been advised to remain vigilant and submit respiratory samples of hospitalized SARI cases to designated Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for testing and sequencing.

Robust Surveillance and Awareness Measures​

India has a well-established surveillance system for ILI and SARI through ICMR and IDSP networks. The government has urged states to enhance public awareness about prevention measures such as:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water.
• Avoiding contact with the face (eyes, nose, mouth) with unwashed hands.
• Maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals.
• Covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Preparedness and Stakeholder Coordination​

The government has conducted a nationwide preparedness drill to ensure the healthcare system is adequately equipped to handle seasonal increases in respiratory illnesses. Multiple meetings have been held with key stakeholders, including:

• Department of Health Research
• Director General of Health Services (DGHS)
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• National Institute of Virology (NIV)
• State Surveillance Units of IDSP

States have been advised to strengthen and review their ILI/SARI surveillance to detect and respond to respiratory illnesses efficiently.

Understanding HMPV and Its Symptoms​

HMPV is a common respiratory virus that infects individuals of all ages, especially during winter and early spring. The infection is typically mild and self-limiting, with most cases recovering on their own. Symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

The government continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that public health measures and awareness campaigns are in place to mitigate the spread of the virus.