HMPV Cases in India: ‘No Cause for Concern, Virus Is Not New,’ Says Health Minister JP Nadda in Video Statement
HMPV Cases in India: 'No Cause for Concern, Virus Is Not New,' Says Health Minister JP Nadda in Video Statement
Union Health Minister JP Nadda has reassured the public regarding the recent reports of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, emphasizing that the virus is neither new nor deadly. In a video statement on Monday, Nadda stated that experts have confirmed there is no cause for alarm, as the government is closely monitoring the situation.
In a statement today, Union Health Minister, Shri @JPNadda has assured that there is no cause for any concern regarding #HMPV cases.
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 6, 2025
He stated that that the virus was already identified in 2001 and is not new. The virus is said to spread mainly during winter and early spring.… pic.twitter.com/ypIvcYkSLz
“HMPV was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating globally for years. It spreads primarily through the air via respiration and affects individuals of all age groups, with higher transmission during winter and early spring,” Nadda explained. He further added that the government, along with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control, is tracking developments in neighboring countries, including China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also monitoring the situation and is expected to share its findings with India soon. “A review of respiratory virus data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program shows no unusual surge in common respiratory infections. A joint monitoring group, led by the Director General of Health Services, met on January 4 to assess the situation,” the minister stated.
Nadda assured that India’s health systems and surveillance networks remain vigilant and ready to respond to any emerging health concerns. “There is no reason to worry. We are actively monitoring the situation,” he concluded.
Former ICMR scientist Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar also addressed the issue, highlighting that HMPV infections are typically mild and mainly affect children under five years of age. In an interview with news agency IANS, he stated, “HMPV is not deadly, and there is no evidence of mortality or high transmission rates linked to the virus.”
