In light of the recent spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, the Indian government has advised all states to increase surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) and Influenza Like Illness (ILI). This directive comes amid reports of a few confirmed cases in India, but officials emphasize that there is currently no significant surge in respiratory illnesses.
Government Advisory and Testing Protocols
During a meeting of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Union health ministry officials instructed states to conduct tests for HMPV in all SARI cases. “An advisory has been given that all SARI cases must be tested for HMPV, and the kits for testing will be sent to the states,” stated a health official from Karnataka.Despite concerns surrounding HMPV, the Karnataka health department reported that there has been no notable increase in respiratory infections such as common cold, ILI, or SARI compared to December 2023. The IDSP’s review also confirmed that there was no major surge in respiratory infections across the country.
Current HMPV Situation in India
As of early January 2025, India has reported a total of nine confirmed cases of HMPV, with zero mortalities. In December alone, nine cases were detected among 714 suspected cases tested. The recent cases include:
- Two infants in Bengaluru: A three-month-old who has been discharged and an eight-month-old who is currently recovering.
- One case in Ahmedabad involving an infant who has also recovered.
The reported incidence of HMPV in December 2024 stood at 1.3%, with cases identified across several states including Puducherry, Odisha, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
Monitoring and Future Precautions
The IDSP will continue to monitor trends related to ILI and SARI closely. State and district units under the disease surveillance program have also been instructed to enhance their monitoring efforts. Health officials have emphasized that while there is no unusual surge in respiratory illnesses at this time, vigilance remains crucial.
Conclusion
While the emergence of HMPV cases has prompted increased surveillance measures, health authorities assure the public that there is no immediate cause for concern. The situation will be monitored closely as more data becomes available.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of January 7, 2025. Updates will follow as new developments arise regarding HMPV cases and public health responses.
In summary, while HMPV has been detected in India, health officials are confident that current measures will help manage any potential outbreaks effectively. The public is urged to remain informed but not alarmed as the situation evolves.
