Sat Jan 11 16:10:52 UTC 2025: ## India Sees Rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Cases

**New Delhi, January [Date]** – India is experiencing a recent uptick in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, prompting the Ministry of Health to advise all states to increase surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI). While HMPV is not a new virus and is globally prevalent, including in India, the recent increase follows similar trends observed in China.

At least nine cases have been confirmed across several states. Gujarat reported five cases within a week, including a nine-month-old infant and a 59-year-old man, both admitted to Ahmedabad hospitals with respiratory symptoms. Similarly, a 10-month-old child in Assam and a three-year-old child in Puducherry (the first case reported in the territory) have also tested positive. Additional cases have been reported in other areas, including Pune.

HMPV, discovered in 2001, spreads through close contact and contaminated surfaces. It typically causes mild flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, and nasal congestion, primarily affecting young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The virus is considered largely benign, with most cases resolving without medical intervention. However, the Ministry is urging vigilance and preventative measures including masking, handwashing, and avoiding close contact with individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has confirmed that HMPV is already circulating in India. While the WHO notes that the recent rise in HMPV cases in China aligns with seasonal trends and has not overwhelmed the healthcare system there, Indian health officials are taking proactive steps to monitor the situation and prevent a potential surge in infections. Experts emphasize that while HMPV warrants monitoring, it is not a cause for widespread panic, and standard preventative measures are sufficient to mitigate risk. The typical isolation period is recommended to be until symptoms subside, with a 14-day period considered ideal given the virus’s RNA shedding.

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