Health Minister JP Nadda Reassures Public: HMPV Virus Not New or Dangerous, Monitoring in Place
Union Health Minister JP Nadda has sought to calm public concerns over the recent detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in India, reassuring that the virus is neither new nor life-threatening. In a video statement released on Monday, Nadda emphasized that health experts have confirmed there is no reason for panic, as the government is actively monitoring the situation.
“HMPV was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating worldwide for years. The virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and can affect individuals of all ages, with a higher prevalence during winter and early spring,” he explained. Nadda further assured that the government, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Control, is keeping a close watch on developments in neighboring countries like China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also monitoring the situation and is expected to share relevant findings with India soon. “A review of respiratory virus data from the ICMR and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program has not shown any unusual increase in respiratory infections. A joint monitoring group, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, convened on January 4 to assess the situation,” Nadda said.
In a statement today, Union Health Minister, Shri @JPNadda has assured that there is no cause for any concern regarding #HMPV cases.
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 6, 2025
He stated that that the virus was already identified in 2001 and is not new. The virus is said to spread mainly during winter and early spring.… pic.twitter.com/ypIvcYkSLz
He reiterated that India’s health infrastructure and surveillance systems remain well-prepared to address any potential health threats. “There is no cause for worry. We are vigilantly monitoring the situation,” Nadda concluded.
Former ICMR scientist Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar also weighed in, explaining that HMPV infections are generally mild and primarily affect children under five. In an interview with IANS, he noted, “HMPV is not a fatal virus, and there is no evidence linking it to high transmission rates or mortality.”
