States are on the alert as cases of respiratory illnesses, especially those due to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), are on the rise. In India, at least nine HMPV cases have been detected till 10 January
Health Minister JP Nadda says HMPV is not a new virus and asked people not to panic. He asked people to take precautions.
HMPV cases have been reported in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Nagpur, Mumbai and Ahmedadad.
HMPV infection is not new in India. Several HMPV cases were reported in December as well. Earlier, the former World Health Organization (WHO) chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan, said keeping a tally of ‘HMPV cases in India’ is meaningless.
The HMPV usually does not cause any severe infection but could be a risk to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
