As Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases continue to rise, bringing the total to 11 so far amid growing concerns linked to a potential resurgence of respiratory illnesses from China, States are intensifying efforts to manage the outbreak, which is primarily affecting infants and young children.
On Wednesday, a six-month-old baby tested positive for HMPV at Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai's Powai, Out of the total cases reported so far, two were reported in Bengaluru, one in Gujarat, two in Chennai, three in Kolkata, and now three in Maharashtra.
While the Centre has reassured the public that there is no need to panic-emphasising that HMPV is not a new pathogen and not causing a widespread outbreak-health departments in several states are taking no chance. The Jammu and Kashmir health department has established a specialized ICU ward in Jammu to handle potential cases, while Uttarakhand has issued guidelines for the prevention of respiratory diseases like HMPV.
Sunita Tamta, Director of Uttarakhand Medical Health and Family Welfare, described the HMPV as being similar to the flu virus. She urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing the importance of increased precautions. "If you experience flu-like symptoms, maintain distance and use a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing," she advised.
Echoing similar concerns, Dr. Hamid Zargar, Medical Superintendent of Gandhinagar Government Hospital said, "we are not taking any chances and have prepared a special ICU ward to handle any eventuality. God forbid if a pandemic occurs, we are ready."
In fact, hospitals across Gujarat have established dedicated isolation wards. Civil hospitals in key cities, including Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot, have taken these precautionary steps to enhance preparedness and prevent the potential spread of the virus.
To further enhance preparedness, the administration has been holding regular meetings to review the situation and ensure adequate facilities are in place.
First identified in 2001 but known to circulate since the 1970s, human metapneumovirus is a common respiratory virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms.
Manipur too is on its toe even though no case has been reported from the State so far. The State authorities have been conducting mock drills at various hospitals across Manipur to assess their preparedness to combat an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), if any.
"All district surveillance units are on alert for any unusual clustering of ILI/ SARI cases," a statement from the State Health Department said.
It said the suspected cases must be reported to the district health authorities for necessary action. On the other hand, the Mizoram government has established a dedicated committee to closely monitor the situation. The decision followed a meeting led by Health Minister Lalrinpuii on Monday.
Haryana Government said that an advisory has been issued to civil surgeons across the region, urging vigilance and prepare to handle any potential cases to ensure public health safety. At the same time, Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil cleared that no uncommon spike has been registered anywhere across the country in the cases related to influenza disease and other serious breathing-related diseases.
To ensure that the State is not caught unaware in case of the outbreak of the pathogen, Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari has instructed the Health Department to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of HMPV across the state. He has also asked officials to deploy medical teams at railway stations and airports across the state for heightened monitoring.
As per a 2021 study published in The Lancet Global Health around 14.2 million cases of HMPV-associated acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in children under five globally in 2018.
The study found that infants under one year are particularly vulnerable to severe HMPV infections, comparable to the risks posed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. It also revealed that infants younger than six months in low- and lower-middle-income countries face the highest mortality risk from HMPV-related ALRIs.
Common symptoms of HMPV infection include cough, cold, fever, etc. In some cases, infection may also lead to breathlessness, and nasal congestion.
According to health experts, even though there is no vaccine for HMPV, a regular flu shot or three doses of Covid vaccine makes one immune against it.
