Wed Jan 08 13:37:31 UTC 2025: ## Mumbai Infant Becomes Eighth HMPV Case in India Amidst Nationwide Surveillance
**MUMBAI, INDIA –** A six-month-old girl in Mumbai has become the eighth confirmed case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in India, health officials announced today. The infant, admitted to a hospital on January 1st with severe respiratory symptoms including cough, chest tightness, and low oxygen saturation, was discharged after five days of treatment. This marks the third HMPV case in Maharashtra, following two previous cases in Nagpur. Other cases have been reported in Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), and Tamil Nadu (2).
The recent increase in HMPV cases has prompted a nationwide response. Several states, including Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Bihar, have issued public advisories urging calm. Mizoram has formed a dedicated committee to monitor the virus’s spread, while Gujarat has established isolation wards in three major cities.
Following reports of a surge in HMPV cases in China, the Indian government has advised all states to strengthen surveillance for respiratory illnesses and increase public awareness about HMPV prevention.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist at the World Health Organization, emphasized that HMPV is a common respiratory virus, typically causing mild, self-limiting illness. She downplayed concerns of a widespread outbreak, stating that current case numbers are not significant and that there is no correlation between HMPV and COVID-19. Dr. Swaminathan recommended mask-wearing as a good preventative measure. HMPV infections are more common during winter and early spring.
First Piper 