HMPV virus: Two suspected cases detected in Maharashtra’s Nagpur

Nagpur children test positive for Human Metapneumovirus, Health Ministry reassures public, no need to panic.

In Maharashtra’s Nagpur, two children are suspected to be positive for the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Distric Collector said on Tuesday (January 7, 2025). The children, aged 7 and 13 years respectively, tested positive for the virus at a private hospital.

Both the patients were walk-in and OPD basis. After the blood test, the two children are suspected to have HMPV. Their samples have been sent to virology department of All India Institute Of Medical Sciences Delhi (AIIMS) and in Pune,” said Nagpur Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar.

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, who is to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the HMPV virus situation on Tuesday (January 7, 2025), urged the citizens not to panic.

The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is already in circulation globally, including in India, said the Health Ministry on Monday (January 6, 2025) while stating that none of the cases in India have any travel history and that all the infected persons are recovering well.

“The virus occurrence in India is not new,’’ emphasised the Ministry. The Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in a video statement said, “Health experts have clarified that the HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001 and it has been circulating in the entire world for many years. HMPV spreads through air, by way of respiration. This can affect persons of all age groups. The health systems and surveillance networks of the country are vigilant and there is no reason to worry.”