Tue Jan 07 07:20:17 UTC 2025: **HMPV Virus Cases Rise in India, Government Assures Public**

NEW DELHI – India is on alert following the detection of several cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus that has recently caused outbreaks in China. Five cases were reported on Monday, with two each in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and one in Gujarat. Two more cases were confirmed in Nagpur on Tuesday. All reported cases involve children.

While the increase in HMPV cases has caused concern, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda stated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and that there is no cause for widespread alarm. He emphasized that HMPV is not a new virus, having been identified in 2001, and that there’s no significant increase in general respiratory viral infections in India. The Ministry of Health, ICMR, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are actively monitoring the situation in China and neighboring countries, with the WHO expected to provide further reports.

Following the Nagpur cases, Maharashtra’s Health Minister convened a meeting with the state health department to discuss the situation. Similar precautionary measures are being taken in other states. Uttarakhand, for example, issued an advisory on preventing respiratory illnesses, including HMPV and seasonal influenza, and instructed hospitals to ensure sufficient isolation wards, oxygen beds, and ventilators. Andhra Pradesh also issued an alert, urging vigilance and preventive measures, although no cases have yet been reported there. Similar alerts and meetings are being convened across states, such as the meeting called by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The government has advised the public to practice basic hygiene measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and maintaining social distancing. While social media discussions drew parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, and even prompted some to discuss lockdowns, experts and the government have reassured the public that a similar response is not currently necessary.

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