Two cases of HMPV suspected in Maharashtra, Health Minister says ‘virus is not alarming’
Two cases of HMPV suspected in Maharashtra, Health Minister says ‘virus is not alarming’
Two suspected cases of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) were reported in Nagpur on Tuesday. Blood test samples of the patients — children aged seven and 13 — were sent to the virology department of the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences Delhi (AIIMS) and AIIMS Pune, said Collector Vipin Itankar.
Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar said both cases were “mild in nature” and the virus was “not alarming”.
Meanwhile, Medical Education Minister Hasan Musrif and Mr. Abitkar held an emergency meeting to discuss the HMPV virus.
Mr. Abitkar reiterated that the virus was neither new nor dangerous and asked people not to panic. He also ruled out precautionary measures of patient isolation.
Stressing that the Health department was on alert mode, Mr. Abitkar said, “HMPV is a mild disease with symptoms and has existed across the world, including in India, for a long time and it is less dangerous. However, children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are more vulnerable to the virus. With proper treatment, the virus can be treated and we are also looking to draw out plans to prevent the spread. All we require is take precautions and create awareness.”
He also told the media that between February and December 2024, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) tested 8052 samples and 172 had tested positive for HMPV. “It means it is less dangerous and curable as this is a seasonal disease occurring between November and March,” he added.
According to Health department officials, HMPV has existed in India since 2001. The virus has garnered attention in recent days with reports of an alleged surge in cases in China. However, a Joint Monitoring Group of experts keeping a tab on the virus has said the prevalence is not unnatural.
“The incubation period to recover from the virus is three to six days. Only in severe cases of HMPV, the government will instruct whether to conduct Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test,” said Health Secretary Nipun Vinayak.
“Not all of them are HMPV cases as several other types of viruses (influenza, respiratory syncytial virus) exist, having the same symptoms,” he added.
