Maharashtra On High Alert: No HMPV Cases Yet, But Surveillance Intensified

Following the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in China, Dr Nitin Ambadekar, Director of Health Services, issued an order on Sunday urging deputy directors, civil surgeons, and district health officers across Maharashtra to strengthen surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI), according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report.

Dr Ambadekar reassured the public, stating, "There is no need for the citizens to panic. The officials have been instructed to submit reports of SARI and ILI cases regularly."

The Health Department has clarified that there is no reason for alarm over the HMPV cases reported in China, and necessary precautions are being taken. "No cases of HMPV have been reported in Maharashtra as of now," said state health officials, as per the HT report.

An advisory released by the authorities explains that HMPV, a virus causing acute respiratory infections, was first identified in the Netherlands in 2001. It is a common respiratory virus, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract. The advisory also highlighted that the virus is seasonal, with higher incidence during the winter and early summer months, similar to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi issued a statement on Friday, confirming that the situation in China is not out of the ordinary, considering the flu season.

According to the Union Health Ministry, the recent surge in cases in China is attributed to the Influenza virus, RSV, and HMPV - all common pathogens circulating during this time of year. The government is closely monitoring the situation and has requested updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding developments in China. These viruses are already in circulation globally, including in India.

Health officials in Maharashtra have reviewed respiratory infection data within the state, and found no increase in cases from December 2023 to December 2024. As a precaution, citizens are urged to follow health guidelines to avoid respiratory infections.