First case in Mumbai, total number in Maharashtra reaches 3, government forms task force

The first case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been reported in Mumbai. This virus has been confirmed in a six-month-old girl admitted in the ICU of Hiranandani Hospital, Powai. With this the total number of HMPV cases in Maharashtra has increased to three.

First case of HMPV in Mumbai

• Which one was confirmed?
  • A six-month-old baby girl, who is admitted in the ICU of Hiranandani Hospital.
• Officials were informed:
  • Doctors reported the confirmed case of the virus to the local civic office on 1 January 2025.
  • However, the health headquarters of BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) in Parel said that they have not received any report in this regard.

Two more cases in Nagpur

• A private hospital in Nagpur confirmed HMPV virus in two girls aged 7 and 13.
• symptoms:
  • Both the girls had fever and cough for two consecutive days.
  • He was treated at home and is now stable.
• Samples sent:
  • The girls’ samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV).
• Officials’ statement:
  • Dr. Avinash Gawande, Superintendent of Nagpur Medical College, said,
    

    “HMPV is not as dangerous as Corona. Parents do not need to panic. However, children are advised to wear masks.”

HMPV Test and Symptoms

• New Rapid Test:
  • Rapid tests are available to detect HMPV, which cost around ₹7,000.
  • This test can identify viruses like influenza within a few hours.
• symptoms:
  • Cough, fever, difficulty in breathing.
  • Monitoring has been increased on the increasing number of patients suffering from cold, cough and fever.

Maharashtra government’s action

• Formation of Task Force:
  • A task force has been formed under the chairmanship of Dr. Pallavi Sapley, Dean of JJ Hospital.
  • It will prepare Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• Alert at district level:
  • The Health Department has directed to increase monitoring of cold and cough patients.
• Emergency meeting:
  • Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Ambedkar called an emergency meeting on the rising cases of HMPV.
  • Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav will also attend the meeting.

BMC preparation

• Special Ward:
  • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up special wards for the treatment of HMPV patients.
• CM’s statement:
  • Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said:
    

    “There is no need to fear the HMPV virus. This virus is not new, it was prevalent earlier also and now it is making a comeback.”

Central government’s stance

• Advisory will be issued:
  • States will be advised to share only official information.
  • Instructions have been given to avoid any kind of rumours.

HMPV: What is this virus?

• HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus) is a respiratory virus that usually affects children and the elderly.
• It has been prevalent for decades, but its increasing cases in China have brought it into discussion.
• Symptoms are mild, but in some cases it can be severe.