Disclaimer: This post is for academic purposes only. Please read the original document if you intend to use them for clinical purposes.
This document summarizes the key information from a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release dated February 7, 2025, regarding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) situation in India and the government’s response. The release focuses on measures taken by the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) to monitor, control, and raise public awareness about HMPV:
-Background on HMPV:
HMPV is a known virus present globally since 2001. The data from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) sentinel surveillance data “does not indicate any unusual rise in Influenza Like Illness (ILI)/Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases anywhere in the country.”
–HMPV Cases Reported:
Between January 6th, 2025 and January 29th, 2025, a total of 59 HMPV cases were reported across 11 States/Union Territories in India. While these are present, the government is emphasizing that this is not an unusual surge compared to expectations.
-Government Response and Control Measures:
The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) has implemented the following measures to monitor and control the spread of HMPV and increase public awareness:
1-Activation of Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC): The PHEOC at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been activated since January 6th, 2025, to monitor the HMPV situation. The PHEOC shares daily situational reports with relevant stakeholders.
2-Enhanced Surveillance: States/UTs are urged to be vigilant and send respiratory samples from hospitalized SARI cases to designated Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for testing and sequencing of positive samples. The existing robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza through the ICMR and IDSP networks is being leveraged. States have been advised to strengthen and review the ILI/SARI surveillance.
3-Public Awareness and Prevention: States have been advised to enhance Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts to inform the public about HMPV symptoms and prevention. Prevention measures promoted include:
– Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
– Avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
– Avoiding close contact with people showing symptoms.
– Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
4-Health System Preparedness: A preparedness drill has been conducted nationwide to ensure the health system is adequately prepared to handle a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses.
Multiple meetings were held with stakeholders including Department of Health Research, DGHS, Health Secretaries and officials of States, experts from Integrated Disease Surveillance Platform (IDSP), NCDC, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology (NIV) and State Surveillance Units of IDSP at the level of Secretary (Health & Family Welfare), Director General of Health Services, Joint Monitoring Group to review the situation regarding HMPV and other respiratory illnesses.
Key Takeaways:
While HMPV cases are being reported, the overall ILI/SARI trends are not indicating an unusual surge. The 59 cases from 11 regions are monitored but do not represent a nation wide unusual increase. The Indian government has taken pro-active steps to monitor, control and raise public awareness about HMPV, leveraging existing surveillance systems. Emphasis is placed on routine public health measures for prevention. The government states the health system is prepared to manage a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses.
Next Steps:
-Continued monitoring of the HMPV situation through the PHEOC.
-Ongoing implementation of the advised surveillance and awareness measures by state and union territories.
