HMPV Not A New Virus, No Reason To Worry: Health Minister Says After 6 Cases Detected

JP Nadda said the Health Ministry, the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China and in neighbouring countries.

File photo of Health Minister JP Nadda.

Source : PTI

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday said that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and there is no reason to worry. 

He said HMPV is not a new virus and no surge in any of the common respiratory virus pathogens has been observed in the country. 

Nadda said the Health Ministry, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control are keeping a close watch on the situation in China and in neighbouring countries.

"Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and the early spring months," JP Nadda said in a video message on Monday.

"The WHO has taken cognisance of the situation and will share the report shortly with us, he said. The country data for respiratory viruses available with ICMR and integrated disease surveillance programme has also been reviewed and no surge in any of the common respiratory virus pathogens is observed in India," Nadda said.

"The health systems and surveillance networks of the country remain vigilant, ensuring the country is ready to respond promptly to any emerging health challenges. There is no reason to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation," the health minister added.

#WATCH | Union Health Minister JP Nadda says, "Health experts have clarified that #HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world since many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons… pic.twitter.com/h1SSshe2iQ

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So far, 6 cases of Human Metapneumovirus have been detected in the country, with the latest infections reported from Chennai. Two infants in Karnataka and one in Gujarat along with two children in Tamil Nadu have tested positive for HMPV, health officials said on Monday. 

Nadda said that health experts have clarified that HMPV virus is not a new virus. "It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world. HMPV spreads through the air by way of respiration, Nadda stated. This can affect persons of all age groups," he said.

The health ministry said it is monitoring the situation through all available surveillance channels. The ICMR will continue to track trends in HMPV circulation throughout the year. The recent preparedness drill conducted across the country has shown that India is well-equipped to handle any potential increase in respiratory illnesses and public health interventions can be deployed promptly if needed, the ministry stated.