Sun Jan 05 09:54:39 UTC 2025: ## India Monitors Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Amidst China Outbreak

**NEW DELHI** – While China grapples with a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections, Indian health officials are assuring the public that the virus is not new to the country and that cases remain mild. HMPV, a common respiratory virus causing cold-like symptoms, is known to circulate seasonally, particularly during winter months.

Leading Indian pediatricians, including Dr. Suresh Gupta of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Dr. Bobby Bhalotra, have confirmed that HMPV has been present in India for over two decades, typically causing mild, self-limiting illnesses similar to influenza. Most infections resolve with home care, and hospitalizations are rare, they emphasized.

Following reports of the outbreak in China, the Indian Ministry of Health convened a meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) on January 4th to discuss the situation. The ministry affirmed that India is closely monitoring developments, requesting updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and taking proactive steps. These include increasing the number of laboratories testing for HMPV and establishing year-round tracking through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Several states are also taking precautionary measures. Telangana has issued public health advisories emphasizing hand hygiene, social distancing, and avoiding crowded places. Kerala’s health minister has called for calm, stating that while the situation in China is being monitored, there is no cause for immediate alarm in India. While HMPV cases are being observed, experts stress the vast majority present with mild symptoms easily managed at home.

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