Guwahati:

A 10-month-old child has been detected with the human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, the first such case this season in Assam, officials said today.

The child is “stable” and is undergoing treatment at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH) in Dibrugarh.

AMCH superintendent Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan said the child was admitted to the state-run hospital with cold-related symptoms four days ago.

“The HMPV infection was confirmed yesterday after we got test results from the Lahowal-based ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (ICMR-RMRC),” he said.

He also said samples are sent to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for tests in influenza and flu-related cases as a routine practice.

“It was a routine test during which the HMPV infection was detected. The child is stable now. It is a common virus and there is nothing to worry about,” he said.

A senior official at the ICMR-RMRC in Lahowal said it was the first HMPV case this season. 

“Since 2014, we have detected 110 HMPV cases in Dibrugarh district. Every year it is detected, and nothing is new. We have got the sample from AMCH and this has been found positive for HMPV,” he was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI. 

HMPV Virus Is Similar To Flu, Not Like Covid

The HMPV is a respiratory virus and has recently gained attention after its outbreak in China. Experts, however, have dismissed fears that the situation is comparable to the beginnings of Covid-19 five years ago.

First discovered in 2001, it generally causes a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract and spreads via person-to-person contact or when someone touches a contaminated surface.

HMPV’s common symptoms include coughing, fever and a blocked nose — very similar to many types of cold and flu.

Vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems may develop more severe symptoms.

New Delhi:

Only 3% of the people who are tested for Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) are found infected with the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has triggered concerns five years after COVID-19 first emerged, former World Health Organization (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has said.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Ms Swaminathan also said the HMPV infection has been in circulation in India for several years, but has come as a “bit of shock” to the people as it is not frequently talked about. 

The top health scientist’s remarks came as India reported seven cases of HMPV, a globally recognised respiratory virus that recently gained attention after its outbreak was reported in China. The Union health ministry on Monday said five patients (two more cases were detected later) have no recent travel history, and ruled out exposure from other regions or countries.

“The ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) has been doing some surveillance across virus labs and they routinely look at people who have ILI or SARI. Of all the cases that they test, about 3% turn out to be positive for HMPV. Actually, a much higher number are positive for Sars-CoV-2 that we are not talking about at all. So, this is only 3% of the overall, you know, spectrum of viruses that are causing respiratory illnesses currently,” Ms Swaminathan said.

The prevalence of HMPV, however, varies from month to month, she said. “We do have data in India that’s telling us, you know, what’s out there and it’s all local. It’s not that it’s come from outside or it’s come from China. It’s been circulating in India for many years,” she said. 

“We know that seasonally, we are exposed to different kinds of viruses and pathogens and so on. For example, in the monsoon, we know that vector-borne diseases like dengue start spreading more, especially in our cities and urban areas. In winters, cooler months, we see an increase in respiratory viruses and we must say that air pollution also plays a major role..,” she said.

“Meaningless To Keep Count Of HMPV Infections”

Ms Swaminathan also said it is “meaningless” to keep a tab on the number of people getting infected in the country. “It (the figure) really depends on the testing that’s being done. So if we suddenly start testing millions of people who have respiratory symptoms, we’re going to find HMPV in the thousands. If we are going to test a few dozen, then we are going to find them in single digits,” she said.

“I think counting these 1, 2, and 3 numbers is actually meaningless because we have this virus circulating in the community like many other viruses,” she added.

Conducting tests for such viruses is more common in the private than in the government sector, Ms Swaminathan said. However, she added, “every other person gets it and everybody cannot have a diagnostic test to find out what virus is infecting them. And there is no need also, because most of the time they are recovering.”

No Relation With COVID-19

The health scientist also said that there is no correlation between HMPV and COVID-19, which has killed millions worldwide ever since it first broke out in China in 2020. “Coronavirus is another group of viruses. The HMPV is a very different kind of virus.” 

She said there doesn’t seem to be any new mutation and the HMPV virus is the same, whether it is in China or India. “But obviously, the National Institute of Virology and others are going to keep tracking the virus to ensure that there is nothing to be concerned about,” she said. 

HMPV Mostly Unheard Of

Ms Swaminathan said the symptoms associated with HMPV are very similar to a cold or a flu. “It’s just that it’s a new family. I think people have not heard about this name (HMPV) very much. It’s not routinely tested or talked about and therefore, perhaps, it has come as a bit of a shock,” she said, adding: “Doctors, respiratory specialists, infectious disease specialists and scientists are well aware of this and have known about this virus family for a very long time.” 

Reinforce Mask-Wearing, Monitor Symptoms

The former WHO chief scientist stressed the importance of wearing a mask, a practice that was enforced earlier to slow down the spread of COVID-19. “The only thing I’d like to mention is that in India, we are still not in the habit of wearing masks, and I think it’s a very good habit to inculcate when you have a cold, it doesn’t matter what virus it is. If you have a cold, you’re sneezing or coughing. Please wear a mask so that you don’t infect others.” 

Amid concerns that HMPV significantly impacts children and older adults, the health expert said it is important to keep an eye on the “warning signs”. 

“If it’s a baby and it gets a respiratory infection, and if that goes on, leading to breathlessness or incessant coughing, or unable to take feeds or swallow… the child needs to be taken to a doctor. Similarly, an older person, if you find the person breathing fast or getting breathless or unable to lay down, the person needs to go to a doctor. People who have asthma,  underlying cardiac illnesses, if the symptoms get exacerbated, then you need to go and see your doctor,” she said. 

Testing Public Healthcare System Key

Ms Swaminathan said the prevalence of such viruses help to test the strength of the public healthcare system. “How well are we going to do when we are faced with the real threat of a new epidemic or a pandemic. This kind of thing maybe allows us to test the system a little bit and also, maybe, put a little more focus on surveillance, genomic testing, and the communication of those results to the public. You know, we need good public health communication so that people don’t get into these kinds of panic situations,” she said.

Measures To Fight HMPV

Besides wearing a mark, intake of lots of fluids, keeping one’s hands clean and taking a paracetamol in case of fever and body ache are some of the precautionary measures that the health expert suggested. “If you become breathless and are coughing continuously and unable to eat and start vomiting, these are definitely warning signs to see a doctor. Spread health awareness and do not create panic. Let us educate ourselves on how to deal with this rationally,” she said.

Earlier in the day, the Union government advised states to step up surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including ILI and SARI, and spread awareness about the prevention of HMPV. It also said that the virus is already in “circulation” globally and that “there’s no need to panic”. 

Mumbai:

After three cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Monday urged the people of the state to follow the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Health Department and central government and said that there is “no need to panic.”

“Due to the patient identified in Bengaluru, many people in Maharashtra are also worried but from the health department, we are appealing to all the people of Maharashtra, don’t relate yourself with the patient in Bengaluru. Please keep yourself safe by following the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Health Department and the central government’s health department…there is no need for people to panic,” Mr Abitkar told reporters.

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 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.

However, as part of the alert, the health department has appealed to citizens to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper when they cough or sneeze.

“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser. Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneeze. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in all places to reduce transmission,” it added

The health department urged the people to not shake hands and not reuse tissue paper and handkerchiefs.

“Close contact with sick people. Touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Spitting in public places. Taking medicine (self-medication) without consulting a doctor,” it stated.

Earlier today, Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured the people that there is no need to worry as the health systems and surveillance networks of the country are vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges.

“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 for many years. HMPV spreads through the 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,” he said.

The Ministry of Health, in a release, has stated that these cases were detected as part of ICMR’s ongoing efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across the country. HMPV is a respiratory virus that is already circulating globally, including in India. It has been associated with respiratory illnesses in various countries, although there has been no unusual surge in cases in India.

The ICMR emphasised that despite the detection of these two cases, there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases in the country.

One of the affected individuals is a 3-month-old female infant, who was diagnosed with HMPV after being admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She had a history of bronchopneumonia and was discharged after receiving treatment.

The second case involves an 8-month-old male infant who tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025, following his admission to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru, also with a history of bronchopneumonia.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) — a respiratory illness with flu-like symptoms, similar to COVID-19 — in China has raised health concerns globally, with countries closely monitoring the situation.