On January 6, 2025, the Indian government increased its alertness due to the discovery of the first reported case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru. The news has resulted in states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh releasing guidelines and upscaling their preparedness against the expected outbreak of respiratory disease. Here is a full report of the latest updates and the response at the state level.

What is HMPV?

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a type of respiratory virus that produces illness like common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Common symptoms are: fever, cough, nasal congestion, and more severe, with bronchopneumonia. These infections most significantly occur in very young children and the elderly but can occur with weakened immunity, though its epidemic has recently raised awareness worldwide due to an apparent spurt of reported cases in China.

The First Case in India

In India, an eight-month-old baby in Bengaluru has been identified as the first confirmed case of HMPV. According to health officials, the infant presented with symptoms of bronchopneumonia and is currently recovering. Another case involving a three-month-old infant was also reported in the city, although the child has since been discharged. Neither patient has a history of international travel, suggesting local transmission.

The National Response

The Union Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is closely observing the situation. Surveillance channels are used to identify trends in HMPV infections, thereby promptly restricting an emerging outbreak. The officials have assured citizens that India has not seen an unusual increase in ILI or SARI cases.

The nationwide preparedness drills conducted by the Health Ministry have shown that the country is well-prepared to deal with respiratory health issues. Public health interventions can be rapidly deployed if required, thus making a strong response to emerging threats.

State Government Guidelines

Delhi:

In response to the detection of HMPV, Delhi health officials held a meeting of senior health officials to come up with a response strategy.

Hospitals have been instructed to:

• Report all cases of ILI and SARI through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP).
• Ensure proper documentation of lab-confirmed influenza cases.
• Implement strict isolation protocols for suspected HMPV cases.
• Moreover, health professionals have been encouraged to focus on early diagnosis and effective treatment of respiratory illnesses so that complications could be avoided.

Maharashtra:

Maharashtra has increased the vigil for SARI and ILI cases. The state’s health department issued instructions to deputy directors, civil surgeons, and district health officers to increase monitoring activities. Dr. Nitin Ambadekar, Director of Health Services, said vigilance is required but no panic at this juncture.

Telangana:

Telangana’s Public Health Department stated that no HMPV cases have been reported in the state till date. However, authorities are working in close coordination with the Union Ministry of Health to keep on getting updated about the situation. The public has been advised to follow safety measures like wearing masks in crowded places, practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals.

Andhra Pradesh:

Dr. K Padmavathi, Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Andhra Pradesh, reassured the citizens that the government is watching out for the situation very closely. She urged them to take all precautions and to stay updated about the situation. “By taking simple precautions, we can prevent ourselves and our dear ones from HMPV,” she stated in a press release.
Kerala:

Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, has spoken to the public on the HMPV outbreak in China. She posted on social media asking pregnant women, children, and the elderly to be more careful. Kerala health authorities are prepared to contain any potential spread and have reassured the public that the situation is under control.
Preventive Measures and Public Advisory

Health officials across the country have reminded people to maintain basic respiratory hygiene practices to prevent the spread of HMPV and other respiratory viruses.

Key recommendations include:

• Wearing masks: Especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
• Regular handwashing: Using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers.
• Avoiding close contact: With individuals exhibiting respiratory symptoms.
• Seeking medical care: Promptly for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or persistent fever.
• Broader Context: Global and Domestic Trends

The identification of HMPV cases in India comes at a time when reports are emerging of increasing infections in China, highlighting the global nature of respiratory health challenges. With international travel resuming post-COVID-19, robust surveillance systems have never been more important.

Domestically, India’s health infrastructure, now empowered by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, is ready to handle any future health emergencies. Ongoing state and central government initiatives to strengthen disease surveillance and public cooperation are key to mitigating the effects of HMPV and other viruses.

Conclusion

The first case of HMPV in Bengaluru has raised red flags, but the Indian government and state health authorities have swiftly and comprehensively responded to the situation. Through preventive measures, early diagnosis, and effective treatment, India aims to curb the spread of HMPV and protect public health. Citizens are advised to stay informed, follow guidelines, and prioritize respiratory hygiene to collectively navigate this challenge.