The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced on Monday that no cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in Mumbai and urged citizens to take necessary precautions.
“Various news has been published in the media regarding the ongoing outbreak of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in China. The Directorate of Health Services, Pune has issued a guideline in this regard on January 3, 2025. Information about what to do and what not to do has been given through the guidelines. The information is being given through the Public Health Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation that no such patient infected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been found in Mumbai city and suburbs. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation administration is also appealing to citizens to follow the guidelines,” the BMC stated.
“It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in winter and early summer, like RSV and flu. The virus was first detected in the Netherlands in the year 2001. There is no cause for concern regarding the report of Human Metapneumovirus virus detected in China. Necessary precautions are being taken in this regard and there is no need to create an atmosphere of unnecessary panic,” the BMC added.
As part of preventive measures, the health department advised citizens to cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
“Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer. Stay away from public places if you have fever, cough and sneeze. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation in all places to reduce transmission,” the BMC noted.
The department also urged people to avoid shaking hands, reusing tissues or handkerchiefs, and engaging in practices such as spitting in public places. “Close contact with sick people. Touching your eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Spitting in public places. Taking medicine (self-medication) without consulting a doctor,” it stated.
Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) earlier confirmed the detection of two HMPV cases in Karnataka through routine surveillance for respiratory pathogens.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented on the situation, saying, “It has been found in two children. I talked to Dinesh Gundurao who is in charge of the health department… He took up a meeting with the department. Whatever decision it takes, the government will implement it. The government will take all precautionary measures and document this disease…”
The Ministry of Health emphasized that these cases were identified as part of ICMR’s efforts to monitor and control respiratory illnesses across India. While HMPV is a common respiratory virus circulating globally, there has been no unusual surge in cases in the country.
The first case involves a 3-month-old female infant diagnosed with HMPV at Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru. She had a history of bronchopneumonia and was discharged after receiving treatment.
The second case was an 8-month-old male infant, also admitted to Baptist Hospital in Bengaluru with a similar history of bronchopneumonia. He tested positive for HMPV on January 3, 2025.
Despite the detections, the ICMR noted there has been no significant increase in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases across the country.
