After three cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in India on Monday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda allayed people’s concerns and said that this is not a new virus. He appealed to the citizens to remain calm instead of panicking. He said the virus was first identified in 2001 and has been present around the world for many years.
Nadda released a video message, in which he stressed that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to ensure public safety.
#WATCH | Union Health Minister JP Nadda says, “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 since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons… pic.twitter.com/h1SSshe2iQ
— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2025
He said, “Health experts have made it clear that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and has been spreading all over the world for many years. HMPV spreads through the air through inhalation. All this “Can affect people of all age groups. This virus spreads more in the winter and early spring months.”
In a video message, Nadda said that in view of the recent reports of HMPV in China, the Health Ministry, ICMR, the country’s apex health research body and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) are keeping a close watch on the situation in China and other neighboring countries.
He said WHO had “taken cognizance of the situation and will share the report with us soon”. “Country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and the Integrated Disease Monitoring Program have also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory virus pathogens has been observed in India,” Nadda said. A joint monitoring meeting was held under the chairmanship of DGHS on January 4 to review the situation.
HMPV hits India: Five cases found in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat